Yaesu FT DX 9000 CONTEST Operation Manual

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9000 Contest

Operation Manual

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your purchase of the FT DX 9000 Series Transceiver!

The FT engineering, design, and manufacturing know how. As pioneers in the development of SSB, we have led the technological advances in Amateur Radio communications over the last half century. And now, with the introduction of the FT DX 9000 Series, we again lead the way with a no-compromise 21st-century design that will make your operating dreams come true. More importantly, it is a radio that will let your skills and experience find expression, as you harness the excitement of HF operating like you’ve never done before!

DX 9000 is the culmination of a four-year design project. But it also is the product of our company’s fifty years of

ABOUT THIS MANUAL. . .

The FT DX 9000 Series is a leading-edge transceiver with a number of new and exciting features, some of which may be unfamiliar to you. In order to gain the most enjoyment and operating efficiency from your FT DX 9000, we recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, and keep it handy for reference as you explore the many capabilities of your new transceiver.

Before using your FT DX 9000, be sure to read and follow the instructions in the “Before You Begin” section of this manual.

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Please note the conventions, described below, for operational commands and texts included in this manual.

(# ) ..... This refers to a switch or knob used for controlling a particular function. The name or number inside the

brackets designate the name of the switch/knob, or its reference number within this manual.

XX ........... In the texts, you may be advised to press a button momentarily, or press and hold it in for a time interval (such

as two seconds). Please be sure to observe the proper procedure when pressing a button.

OO ........... This indicates the pressing of a button when a “momentary” press is the only selection available.

Note ......................................... This is used for a note as to a particular point of interest.

Advice ..................................... This is used to amplify or expand on instructions, so as to recommend a way to gain

maximum benefit from a feature or function.

Example .................................. This is used to demonstrate an example of how a feature or function should work or be

programmed.

Quick Note / Quick Point This is used for a brief explanation of a particular aspect of operation.

Terminology ........................... An explanation of a term or expression used in this manual.

Page 1FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Description ........................................... 1

About This Manual. . . ........................................................................ 1

Conventions Used in This Manual ...................................................... 1

Before You Begin. . . ........................................... 4

1. Connecting AC Power ..................................................................... 4

2. Configuring Your FT DX 9000 Using the Menu ............................ 4

3. Connecting and Selecting the Microphone ..................................... 5

4. Extending the Front Feet ................................................................. 5

5. Adjusting the Main Dial Torque ..................................................... 6

6. Restarting Power after a Voltage Fluctuation.................................. 6

7. Resetting the Microprocessor .......................................................... 7

Resetting Memories (Only) .......................................................... 7

Menu Resetting ............................................................................ 7

Full Reset ...................................................................................... 7

Features .............................................................. 8

Accessories ...................................................... 10

Options .............................................................. 11

Installation and Interconnections.................... 12

Antenna Considerations .................................................................... 12

About Coaxial Cable ......................................................................... 12

Grounding .......................................................................................... 13

Connection of Antenna and Power Cables........................................ 14

Connection of Microphone, Headphones and

FH-2 Remote Control Keypad ............ 15

Key, Keyer, and Computer-Driven Keying Interconnections ........... 16

VL-1000 Linear Amplifier Interconnections .................................... 17

Interfacing to Other Linear Amplifiers.............................................. 18

Plug/Connector Pinout Diagrams ................... 19

Front Panel Controls ........................................ 20

Rear Panel ......................................................... 34

Frequency Display ............................................ 36

Advanced Interference

-Suppression Features .................. 54

Using the VRF (Variable RF Front-end Filter) ................................. 54

Interference Rejection ...................................... 55

ROOFING (Roofing Filters) ............................................................. 55

Contour Control Operation ............................................................... 56

IF SHIFT Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes) ......................... 57

WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth) Tuning

(SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes) ........................ 58

Using IF Shift and Width Together ............................................ 58

IF Notch Filter Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT/AM Modes) ........ 59

Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) Operation ....................................... 60

NARROW (NAR) One-Touch IF Filter Selection ............................ 61

Digital Notch Filter (D.NOTCH) Operation ..................................... 62

IF Noise Blanker (NB) Operation ..................................................... 62

Tools for Comfortable and

Effective Reception ................... 63

AGC (Automatic Gain Control) ........................................................ 63

SLOPED AGC Operation ........................................................... 64

Audio Limiter (AFL) Feature ............................................................ 65

SSB/AM Mode Transmission ........................... 66

Phantom Voltage for Condenser Microphones ................................. 67

Using the Automatic Antenna Tuner ............... 68

ATU Operation .................................................................................. 68

About ATU Operation ....................................................................... 69

Lithium Battery Replacement ........................................................... 70

SSB/AM Mode Transmission ........................... 72

Using the Speech Processor - SSB, AM Mode -............................ 72

Adjusting the SSB Transmitted Bandwidth ...................................... 73

Signal Quality Enhancement Using the

Parametric Microphone Equalizer ................................... 74

Low- Distortion CLASS-A Operation ............................................... 76

Voice Memory ................................................................................... 78

FH-2 Operation ................................................. 37

Basic Operation:

Receiving on Amateur Bands ......... 38

Operation ........................................................................................... 39

Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band (U.S. Version only) ............. 41

CLAR (Clarifier) Operation on Main (VFO-A) ................................ 42

LOCK ................................................................................................ 43

DIM ................................................................................................... 43

B-DISP OFF ...................................................................................... 43

Convenient Features ........................................ 44

P.BACK (Audio Playback) from VFO-A Receiver ........................... 44

"MY Bands" Operation ..................................................................... 45

Band Stack Operation ....................................................................... 46

C.S (Custom Switch) ......................................................................... 46

Rotator Control Functions ................................................................. 47

More Frequency Navigation Techniques .......................................... 48

ANTENNA SELECTION .................................................................. 49

Receiver Operation (Front End Block Diagram) .............................. 50

IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) ................................................... 51

ATT .................................................................................................... 52

RF Gain (SSB/CW/AM Modes) ....................................................... 53

Convenient Transmitter Accessories .............. 80

VOX: Automatic TX/RX Switching using Voice Control

SSB/AM/FM Modes ............. 80

Using the MONITOR ........................................................................ 80

Split Operation Using the TX Clarifier (VFO-A Operation) ........... 81

Clarifier Offset Bar Indicator ..................................................... 81

Split-Frequency Operation ................................................................ 82

Quick Split Operation ................................................................ 83

CW Mode Operation ......................................... 84

Setup for Straight Key (and Straight Key emulation) Operation ...... 84

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer .................................................. 85

Full Break-in (QSK) Operation ......................................................... 85

Setting the Keyer Weight (Dot/Space:Dash ) Ratio .......................... 86

Selecting the Keyer Operating Mode ................................................ 86

CW Convenience Features .............................. 87

CW Spotting (Zero-Beating) ............................................................. 87

Using CW Reverse ............................................................................ 88

CW Delay Time Setting .................................................................... 89

CW Pitch Adjustment........................................................................ 89

Contest Memory Keyer ..................................................................... 90

Message Memory ....................................................................... 90

TEXT Memory ........................................................................... 92

Page 2 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FM Mode Operation .......................................... 94

Operation ..................................................................... 94

Repeater Operation ...................................................... 95

Convenient Memory Functions ....................... 96

QMB (Quick Memory Bank) ............................. 97

QMB Channel Storage ...................................................................... 97

QMB Channel Recall ........................................................................ 97

Memory Groups ................................................ 98

Memory Group Assignment .............................................................. 98

Choosing the Desired Memory Group .............................................. 98

Memory Operation ............................................ 99

Memory Storage ................................................................................ 99

Memory Channel Recall .................................................................... 99

Checking a Memory Channel’s Status ..................................... 100

Erasing Memory Channel Data ....................................................... 100

Moving Memory Data to the Main (VFO-A) Band ........................ 101

Memory Tune Operation .......................................................... 101

Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency:

5167.5 kHz (U.S. Version Only) ............. 102

Operation on the 60-Meter Band (U.S. Version) ............................ 103

VFO and Memory Scanning ........................... 104

VFO Scanning ................................................................................. 104

Memory Scan .................................................................................. 104

PMS ................................................................. 105

Packet Operation ............................................ 106

RTTY (Radio TeleType) Operation ................. 107

Miscellaneous AFSK-based Data Modes ...... 108

About the Transverter Output Terminal ........ 109

Menu Mode ..................................................... 110

Using the Menu ............................................................................... 110

Menu Mode Reset .................................................................... 110

Menu Mode Setting Table ................................................................111

Menu Mode Setting ......................................................................... 115

Customized Option ........................................ 133

About Customized Option .............................................................. 133

Dual Receive Unit (RXU-9000) ....................... 134

Front Panel Controls ........................................................................ 134

Dual Receive ................................................................................... 136

Dial Swap Configuration (AF/RF GAIN Controls) ........................ 115

Changing the Speaker Output Configuration ................................. 141

Adjacent Channel Monitor (ACM) -- CW Mode Only -- ............... 142

RF Gain -- SSB/CW/AM Modes -- ................................................. 143

Using the VRF (Variable RF Front-end Filter) ............................... 144

ROOFING/R.FLT (Roofing Filters) ................................................ 145

CONTOUR/CONT (Contour) Control Operation........................... 146

IF SHIFT Operation -- SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes -- .................. 147

WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth) Tuning

-- SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes --............................. 148

IF Notch Filter Operation -- SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT/AM Modes -- . 149

NR/DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) Operation .............................. 150

Digital Notch Filter (DNF) Operation ............................................. 151

IF Noise Blanke (NB) Operation .................................................... 152

AGC (Automatic Gain Control) ...................................................... 153

Mute Feature -- VFO-A -- ............................................................... 153

Audio Limiter (AFL) Feature .......................................................... 154

ATT .................................................................................................. 154

RF μ-Tuning Units

(MTU-160, MTU-80/40, MTU-30/20) .......... 156

Optional Data Management Unit (DMU-9000)/

TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) .......... 158

Front Panel Controls ........................................................................ 158

TFT Feature / Control Details ......................................................... 160

Rear Panel Connections .................................................................. 161

Connecting a GPS Receiver ............................................................ 161

Specifications ................................................. 162

Page 3FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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Before You Begin. . .

1. Connecting AC Power

There are two power switches on this transceiver, one each on the rear and front panels. If the rear panel’s Power switch is not turned on, the front panel Power switch will not function.

 Push the rear panel’s Power

switch to the I position to apply power from the power supply to the OCXO (Reference Crystal Oven) and to enable the front panel power switch.

 Press and hold in the front

panel Power switch for two seconds to turn the transceiver on.



Note

The self-check function of the CPU inside the radio will begin. Then, if the optional RF μ-Tuning Unit is installed, the μ-Tuning circuitry will receive the data from the CPU and it will perform its own self-check, and will preset itself to the proper settings for the current operating frequency.

While the μ-Tuning circuitry is obtaining the data, the drive mechanism will move from one end of its range to the other end (fast), and this will cause a temporary “motor” noise that can be heard; this, does not represent any trouble or problem.

When the optional μ-Tuning Unit and/or the Data Management Unit are installed, the initialization process for the transceiver will take about 10 seconds, after which operation may begin.

2. Configuring Your FT DX 9000 Contest Using the Menu

The FT DX 9000 Contest is configured, at the factory, with its various functions set up in a manner typical for most operation. Via the “Menu” system, you may change these settings to match the way you want your transceiver to operate.

Menu programming is enabled by pressing the MNU (Menu) key momentarily. You may then rotate the Main Tuning Dial to display the desired Menu item, in the menu list, on the LCD. Each of the settings can be changed or customized via the CLAR/VFO-B knob, as you like, in this mode.

Once you have made a change to the configuration of a Menu item or items, you must press and hold in the

MNU (Menu) key for two seconds to save the new set-

tings and exit to normal operation.

If you wish to cancel a change to a Menu item or items, just press the MNU key momentarily. If you do not press and hold in the MNU key in for two seconds, any changes you have made will not be saved.

Main Tuning Dial

MNU key

CLAR/VFO-B Knob

MENU ITEM MENU SETTING

Page 4 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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Before You Begin. . .

3. Connecting and Selecting the Microphone

The FT DX 9000 Contest comes equipped with two microphone connectors: the front panel includes a “Cannon” (XLR) three-pin connector, while the rear panel provides an eight-pin (round) connector.

As shipped from the factory, the front panel XLR connector is engaged for operation, and the rear panel 8-pin microphone jack is not connected. If you wish to enable the 8-pin connector instead of the XLR connector, use the Menu to accomplish this. Note that you may leave microphones connected to both jacks, and may select the microphone you want for operation on a particular operating mode (SSB, AM, FM, etc.), as well!

 Press the MNU (Menu) key momentarily to enter

MNU key

the Menu Mode.

 Rotate the Main Tuning Dial to select Menu Item

#069, located within the “MODE SSB” group: SSB MIC SELECT.

 Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob to change the set-

ting of Menu #069 from “FRONT” to “REAR.”

 Press and hold in the MNU (Menu) key for two sec-

onds to save the new setting and exit to normal opera-

“FRONT”

Cannon (XLR)

three-pin connector

Main Tuning Dial CLAR/VFO-B Knob

tion.

 In a similar manner, you may use Menu #040 (AM

MIC SELECT) in the MODE-AM Menu Group to select the microphone jack to be used during AM operation, and Menu #059 (FM MIC SELECT) in the MODE-FM Menu Group to select the microphone to be used during FM transmission.

“REAR”

8-pin microphone jack

4. Extending the Front Feet

In order to elevate the front panel for easy viewing, the front left and right feet of the bottom case may be extended.

 Pull the front legs outward from the bottom panel.

 Rotate the legs counter-clockwise to lock them in the

extended position. Be sure the legs have locked securely in place, because the transceiver is quite heavy and an unlocked leg could result in damage, should the transceiver move suddenly.

Retracting the Front Feet

 Rotate the legs clockwise, and push them inward while

rotating to the right.

 The front feel should now be locked in the retracted

position.









EXTEND

RETRACT

Page 5FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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Before You Begin. . .

5. Adjusting the Main Dial Torque

The torque (drag) of the Main Tuning Dial may be adjusted according to your preferences. Simply hold down the rear skirt of the knob, and while holding it in place rotate the Main Dial itself to the right to reduce the drag, or to the left to increase the drag.

HOLD THE SKIRT

TIGHTEN TOOSEN

6. Restarting Power after a Voltage Fluctuation

If your AC mains power should suffer a significant fluctuation or interruption, we recommend that you go through a complete power-up cycle, in order to ensure that all circuits are properly initialized. To do this, be sure the front panel Power switch is turned off, then set the rear-panel Power switch to the “O” position. Now unplug the AC cable from the rear panel of the transceiver, and wait ten seconds. Plug the AC cable back in, set the rear-panel Power switch to “O,” and now press and hold in the front-panel Power switch for two seconds to turn the transceiver on. After about 50 seconds, all circuits will be initialized, and normal operation may resume.



Page 6 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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Before You Begin. . .

7. Resetting the Microprocessor

 Resetting Memories (Only)

Use this procedure to reset (clear out) the Memory channels previously stored, without affecting any configuration changes you may have made to the Menu settings.

1. Press the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver off.

2. Press and hold in the A M switch; while holding it in, press and hold in the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you may release the A M switch.

POWER switch

 Menu Resetting

Use this procedure to restore the Menu settings to their factory defaults, without affecting the memories you have programmed.

1. Press the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver off.

A M switch

2. Press and hold in the MNU (Menu) key; while holding it in, press and hold in the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you may release the MNU (Menu) key.

POWER switch

MNU key

 Full Reset Use this procedure to restore all Menu and Memory settings to their original factory defaults. All Memories will be cleared out by this procedure.

1. Press the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver off.

2. Press and hold in the FAST and LOCK switches; while holding them in, press and hold in the front panel’s POWER switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you may release the other two switches.

POWER switch

FAST switch

LOCK switch

Page 7FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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FEATURES

Superior Visibility and Logical, Fatigue-reducing Panel Layout

The front panel layout is logically crafted, with the large-aperture main frequency display squarely in the middle of the front panel; the two large S-meters to the left providing instant recognition of signal strength. Just as in an aircraft cockpit, the panel meters and the LCD are canted slightly toward the center for maximum visibility.

Large, Multi-colored VFD Fluorescent Display

A proprietary, high-brightness VFD (fluorescent) display is incorporated in the FT DX 9000 Series, providing outstanding visibility and easy reading of the important frequency information, whether in dim or bright lighting environments.

Function-Indicating LEDs

The many function status indications on the front panel are clearly identified by the operator, thanks to the innovative multi-color LEDs incorporated in design. A Red LED indicates that a function is engaged on the VFO-A, while an Orange LED shows that the function is engaged on the VFO-B.

Indirect Illumination

To assist with operation in a dark environment, indirect illumination of the front panel’s knobs and switches is provided via lamps installed beneath the meters and the

Aluminum-Die-Cast Oversized Main Tuning Dial

The Main Tuning Dial is a large-diameter (3.2”/81 mm) dial directly coupled to the magnetic rotary encoder which drives the HRDDS via microprocessor control. Its heavy weight (7 oz./200 g) and quality mounting and construction provide a smooth “flywheel” effect during operation, ideal for quick cruising up and down a band.

Oversized Knobs for Most Important Functions

The concentric AF/RF Gain, SHIFT/WIDTH, and CLAR/VFO-B knobs are conveniently located at the right-bottom side of the Front Panel, for ease of access to these important controls.

BAND switch.

World’s First 400 MHz HRDDS Local Oscillator

So as to optimize spurious-free dynamic range in a multi-signal environment, Yaesu’s engineers have introduced the world’s first HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) as the first local oscillator of the FT high frequency, this local oscillator design ensures extraordinarily low noise, resulting in improved weak-signal reception even on a crowded band during a weekend contest.

DX 9000 Contest. Dividing directly from this

New-design Large-area OCXO Reference Oscillator

Serving as the master reference oscillator for the transceiver, the 10 MHz OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator) is a large-area (50 x 50 mm/2” x 2”) oven-stabilized oscillator operating at high temperature, for industry-leading frequency stability rated at 0.03 ppm over the temperature range –10 °C to +60 °C (–14 °F to +140 °F).

Triple-conversion Design with Optimized Gain Distribution

Taking into account the most efficient transceiver design concept consistent with high performance we have adopted a triple-conversion IF structure, utilizing a first IF at 40 MHz, a second IF at 455 kHz, and the third IF at 30 kHz (for FM, the 3rd IF is at 24 kHz). Gain distribution through all stages is carefully optimized, for preservation of high system dynamic range.

Ultra-strong Receiver Front End

YAESU’s outstanding RF-stage filtering establishes a clean performance that allows the rest of the receiver to perform at a high level. By reducing the ingress of energy from very strong sources like Shortwave Broadcast, local AM/FM/TV stations, and other signal sources, the overall purity of the spectrum delivered to the RF Amplifier first mixer, and subsequent stages is maintained, and the system Blocking Dynamic Range is also enhanced.

Professional-Grade Cannon (XLR) Microphone Connector

The FT DX 9000 Contest incorporates, for the first time ever in an Amateur Radio transceiver, a balanced-input “Cannon” (XLR) microphone connector on the front panel, for use with studio-grade professional microphones. A round 8-pin microphone jack is also provided on the rear panel.

Two High-precision Analog Meters (Page 27)

The FT DX 9000 Contest incorporates two large (3.4”/86 mm) high-precision analog meters, for the utmost accuracy in measuring transceiver performance. Visibility is enhanced by the oversized meter scales, making the meters easy to read at all times.

Separated Clarifier Display (Pages 42, 81)

A clearly-separated display window within the main frequency display area contains receiver and/or transmitter frequency offset (“Clarifier”) data, for quick comprehension by the operator.

YAESU Custom-designed 32-Bit Floating Point IF DSP (Page 50)

The new IF DSP system, utilizing a TI TMS320C6711 device, is a high-speed 32-bit floating point circuit designed with a unique objective: to do away with the “digital” sound of many DSP filtering systems, and emulate the “Analog Sound” so familiar and comfortable to HF DX and Contest operators. The result is a leading-edge receiver that has the “feel” of a traditional analog receiver, but with the flexibility and superb filtering capability of a modern digital filtering system.

Page 8 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 11

FEATURES

VRF (Variable RF Filter) Preselector Filter (Page 54)

Yaesu’s robust VRF (Variable RF Filter) preselector provides a relay-selected RF selectivity much tighter than that afforded by traditional bandpass filter networks. Sealed relays select heavy-duty inductors and capacitors, providing a tracking RF filter that protects the RF amplifier and following stages from strong out-of-band energy.

First IF 3 kHz Roofing Filter (Page 24, 55)

In the 40 MHz 1st IF, three selectable roofing filters are provided, in bandwidths of 3 kHz, 6 kHz, and 15 kHz, to protect the following stages from strong signals that could degrade dynamic range in the first IF amplifier and subsequent stages. The roofing filters are automatically assigned according to the operating mode, but the operator may override the automatic selections on the fly.

CONTOUR Filter Enhances “Analog Feeling” of DSP Filters (Page 29, 56)

The DSP-based Contour system is a unique five-band filter that may be used to roll off or peak the IF response. It is chiefly useful for modifying the response of the ultra-sharp DSP filters, allowing you to roll off (or emphasize) certain frequency components. Often times, the result is that a difficult-to-understand signal suddenly will pop out of the background noise as solid copy.

SLOPED AGC Circuitry (Page 64)

In traditional AGC systems, all signals rising above a certain RF level are then clamped together at the same audio output, so as to

prevent distortion throughout the IF and AF stages. In the FT an AGC response whereby ever-increasing signal strength results in a slightly-louder audio response, still without accompanying distortion. This lets you use your brain to sort out weak signals from strong ones more effectively.

Receiver AF Limiter Circuit (Page 30, 65)

Occasionally a noise burst or a sudden transmission from a loud station may startle you if you have the AF Gain turned up, and may even damage your hearing temporarily. The FT limit on the available audio output power, much like the AGC circuit does in the RF and IF stages.

DX 9000 Contest provides an AF Limiter (AFL) circuit which, once engaged, clamps an upper

DX 9000, however, you can engage the “Sloped” AGC capability to provide

Parametric Microphone Equalizer Circuit (Page 74)

For unmatched flexibility in tailoring your microphone’s audio to match your voice, Yaesu’s engineers have incorporated the industry’s

first Three-Band Parametric Microphone Equalizer, which allows you to enhance or suppress frequency components in three different audio bands. Equalization may be applied independently to microphones attached to the front and rear panel microphone jacks.

Ultra-linear Class-A Operation Capability (Page 76)

The FT DX 9000 Contest’s Class-A capability provides ultra-linear amplifier operation at 75 Watts of power output. Typically, 3rd-order IMD products are suppressed more than 50 dB, while 5th- and higher-order distortion products are at least 70 dB down during Class-A operation.

Rugged, High-Output Final Amplifier Design (Page 77)

The final amplifier stage of the FT DX 9000 Contest utilizes push-pull SD2931 MOS FET devices in a conservative, high-stability design. The large-area die-cast aluminum heat sink is monitored thermostatically, and a quiet cooling fan will engage when the heat sink temperature rises during long periods of high-power transmission.

Customization of Your FT DX 9000 Contest

A wide range of custom configuration options (other than a better location or taller tower!) are available for your FT DX 9000 Contest, allowing you to build a Dream Station from the basic “Contest” version foundation.

Because these options involve high-technology modules, please consult WDXC regarding factory installation of these items.

 Dual Receive Unit (RXU-9000)

The Dual Receive Unit (model RXU-9000) not only permits simultaneous reception on two frequencies (in the same band or on different bands), but also it enables Full Duplex operation, whereby you may be transmitting on 20 meters while, simultaneously, receiving on 40 meters or any band other than 14 MHz. The RXU-9000 is a fully-equipped replica of the VFO-A receiver, so

reception is not compromised when using the VFO-B.

 RF μ-Tuning Units (MTU-160, MTU-80/40, MTU-30/20)

On the 14 MHz and lower bands, the μ-Tuning Units provide extraordinarily high Q; the resulting steep shape factor is a powerful aid for reducing off-frequency interference. Separate modules are available for the 1.8 MHz, 3.5/7 MHz, and 10.1/14 MHz bands, and they may be installed on the Main Receiver only (not in the RXU-9000). Thanks to the large (1.1"/28 mm) inductor through which a stack of ferrite cores is adjusted, the narrow RF bandwidth of the μ-

Tuning system provides unmatched protection for the receiver front end and following circuits.

 Variable RF Preselector Unit (VRF-9000)

The VRF-9000 provides outstanding protection against out-of-band interference, with a bandwidth much narrower than the standard fixed bandpass filter network. Adding the VRF-9000 can be particularly useful if your station is located near a broadcast station, or

if you use Dual Receive a lot in a multi-transmitter environment.

 Data Management Unit (DMU-9000)/TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000)

In order to enable the World Clock, Spectrum Scope, Audio Scope/Oscilloscope, Logbook, Rotator Control, and Temperature/SWR Status Display functions, you may install the Data Management Unit (DMU-9000), which actually is a mini-computer that fits inside your transceiver. Furthermore, if the TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) is installed, an external display becomes unnecessary. The TFT-9000 includes a

6.5", 800 x 480 dot screen which provides high resolution and easy viewing, as well as quick access to the control options available on each TFT display page.

These various functions may then be displayed on a user-supplied external display screen, such as a plasma or TFT display.

Page 9FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 12

ACCESSORIES

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

FH-2

Remote Control Keypad

 Operating Manual  Warranty Card

RCA Plug (P0091365)

6 pcs

AC Power Cord

Microphone Extend Cable

(T9101549: 8 Pin Ù Modular)

1 AC Power Cord

USA: T9017882 Europe: T9013285 Australia: T9013283A UK: T9013285

2 This microphone cable is for use with the optional

MD-200A8X, MD-100A8X, or MH-31B8 microphones.

Plug Details and Part Numbers

3.5 mm 2-contact Plug (P0090034)

2 pcs

Plugs

3.5 mm 3-contact Plug (P0091046)

1 pc

1/4-inch 3-contact Plug

(P0090008)

2 pcs

Items are shown for illustrative purposes only, and may vary slightly in appearance.

4-pin DIN Plug (P0091004) 1 pc 5-pin DIN Plug (P0091006) 1 pc 7-pin DIN Plug (P0091419) 1 pc 8-pin DIN Plug (P0090651) 1 pc

Page 10 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 13

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

MD-200A8X

OPTIONS

Ultra-High-Fidelity Desk-Top Microphone

MD-200A8X

Desk-Top Microphone

MD-100A8X

External Speaker with Dual Speakers and Audio Filter

SP-9000

Lightweight Stereo Headphones

YH-77STA

Linear Amplifier / AC Power Supply

VL-1000 / VP-1000

Customization Options



 Dual Receive Unit RXU-9000

 

 Sub Band VRF Unit VRF-9000

 

 RF μ-Tuning Unit A MTU-160 (160 m Band)

 

 RF μ-Tuning Unit B MTU-80/40 (80/40 m Bands)

 

 RF μ-Tuning Unit C MTU-30/20 (30/20 m Bands)

 

 Data Management Unit DMU-9000

 

 TFT Display Unit TFT-9000



Page 11FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 14

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

The FT DX 9000 Contest is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ohm resistive impedance at the desired operating frequency. While minor excursions from the 50-Ohm specification are of no consequence, the transceiver’s Automatic Antenna Tuner may not be able to reduce the impedance mismatch to an acceptable value if the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) present at the Antenna jack is greater than 3:1.

Every effort should, therefore, be made to ensure that the impedance of the antenna system utilized with the FT DX 9000 Contest be as close as possible to the specified 50-Ohm value.

Any antenna to be used with the FT DX 9000 Contest must, ultimately, be fed with 50 Ohm coaxial cable. Therefore, when using a “balanced” antenna such as a dipole, remember that a balun or other matching/balancing device must be used so as to ensure proper antenna performance.

The same precautions apply to any additional (receive-only) antennas connected to the RX ANT jack; if your receive-only antennas do not have an impedance near 50 Ohms at the operating frequency, you may need to install an external antenna tuner to obtain optimum performance.

ABOUT COAXIAL CABLE

Use high-quality 50-Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT DX 9000 Contest transceiver. All efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. This transceiver utilizes standard “M” (“PL-259”) type connectors, except for the “RX OUT” BNC connectors used for special filters, etc.

1/16"

3/4"

1 1/8"

Adapter

3/4''

1/8''

5/8''3/8''

Typical PL-259 Installation

Page 12 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 15

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

GROUNDING

The FT DX 9000 Contest HF transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maximum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of ways:

 It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.  It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver; such currents

may lead to radiation which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or laboratory test equipment.

 It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or improper cur-

rent flow through logic devices.

An effective earth ground system make take several forms; for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF engineering text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.

Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be positioned in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus (described below).

Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1”) diameter should be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies, and data communications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.

Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called “DaisyChain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawing below for examples of proper grounding techniques.

Inspect the ground system - inside the station as well as outside - on a regular basis so as to ensure maximum performance and safety.

Besides following the above guidelines carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used in an attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding effort, but gas lines represent a significant explosion hazard, and must never be used.

Transceiver

PROPER GROUND CONNECTION IMPROPER GROUND CONNECTION

Linear

Amplifier

Power

Supply

Transceiver Linear

Amplifier

"Daisy Chain"

Power

Supply

Page 13FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 16

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

CONNECTION OF ANTENNA AND POWER CABLES

Please follow the outline in the illustration regarding the proper connection of antenna coaxial cables, as well as the AC power cable.

ANTENNA "1"

ANTENNA "2"

ANTENNA "3"

ANTENNA "4"

Use a short, thick, braided cable to connect your station equipment to the buried ground rod (or alternative earth ground system).

Ground Rod

Advice

 Do not position this apparatus in a location with direct exposure to sunshine.  Do not position this apparatus in a location exposed to dust and/or high humidity.  Ensure adequate ventilation around this apparatus, so as to prevent heat build-up and possible reduction of performance

due to high heat.

 Do not install this apparatus in a mechanically-unstable location, or where objects may fall onto this product from

above.

 To minimize the possibility of interference to home entertainment devices, take all precautionary steps including sepa-

ration of TV/FM antennas from Amateur transmitting antennas to the greatest extent possible, and keep transmitting coaxial cables separated from cables connected to home entertainment devices.

 Ensure that the AC power cord is not subject to undue stress or bending, which could damage the cable or cause it to be

accidentally unplugged from the rear panel AC input jack.

 Be absolutely certain to install your transmitting antenna(s) such that they cannot possibly come in contact with TV/FM

radio or other antennas, nor with outside power or telephone lines.

Page 14 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 17

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

ONNECTION OF MICROPHONE

This transceiver was shipped from the factory in configuration for a microphone input via the Front Panel XLR connector. To use the Rear Panel microphone with an 8-pin round connector, please change the microphone set up

via the Menu.

1. To do this, first press the MNU key.

2. The Menu list will appear on the LCD display screen.

3. Rotate the Main tuning dial to select menu item “MODE-SSB 069 SSB MIC SELECT.”

4. Now rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob to change the setting to Rear. The available selections are FRONT-REAR-DATA-PC.

5. To save the set-up, press and hold in the MNU key for 2 seconds. If the MNU key is not held for 2 seconds, the set-up will not be saved.

Note : To use the AM or FM mode, please select Menu items 040 for AM and 059 for FM, and follow the same

procedure above.

, H

EADPHONES AND

FH-2 R

EMOTE CONTROL KEYPAD

①

②

MIC-Hot

③

MIC-Cold

XLR connector Type Microphone

MIC-GND

1/4-inch 3-contact jack

Stereo Headphones

MIC⑧

⑦

FAST

MIC GND

⑥

PTT

⑤

GND

①

②

+5V

③

DOWN

④

8-pin Connector Type Microphone

FH-2 Remote Control

Keypad

LOCK

OFFON

Page 15FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 18

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

KEY, KEYER, AND COMPUTER-DRIVEN KEYING INTERCONNECTIONS

The FT DX 9000 Contest includes a host of features for the CW operator, the functions of which will be detailed in the “Operation” section later. Besides the built-in Electronic Keyer, two key jacks are provided, one each on the front and rear panels, for convenient connection to keying devices.

The Menu system allows you to configure the front and rear panel KEY jacks according to the device you wish to connect. For example, you may connect your keyer paddle to the front panel KEY jack, and use Menu #42 for paddle input, while connecting the rear panel’s KEY jack to the keying line from your personal computer (which emulates a “straight key” for connection purposes), and configure the rear panel jack using Menu #44.

Both KEY jacks on the FT DX 9000 Contest utilize “Positive” keying voltage. Key-up voltage is approximately +5V DC, and key-down current is approximately 1 mA.

DASH

DOT

DASH

DOT

Advice

When connecting a key or other device to the KEY jacks, use only a 3-pin (“stereo”) 1/4” phone plug; a 2-pin plug will place a short between the ring and (grounded) shaft of the plug, resulting in a constant “key-down” condition in some circumstances.

COMMON

Page 16 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 19

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

VL-1000 LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERCONNECTIONS

Be sure that both the FT DX 9000 Contest and VL-1000 are turned off, then follow the installation recommendations contained in the illustration. On the rear panel of the VL-1000, please set the “ATT” switch to the “ON” position. The 200-Watt power output from the FT DX 9000 Contest is far in excess of what is required to drive the VL-1000 to its full rated output.

Note

 Please refer to the VL-1000 Operating Manual for details regarding amplifier operation.  Please do not attempt to connect or disconnect coaxial cables when your hands are wet.

Control Cable Modification

Pin 9

Pin 3 GND

Pin 7 TRQ

Please cut off the RCA connector on one end of the CONTROL Cable supplied with the VL-1000, and install a 7-pin DIN connector in its place, according to the illustration.

F SET COMMON

Pin 11 F SET 2

ANT

About the CONTROL Cable

The VL-1000 may be operated with the FT DX 9000 Contest whether or not the CONTROL Cable is connected; however, the CONTROL Cable allows you to tune up the amplifier automatically by just pressing the F SET or TUNE key on the VL-1000, so as to transmit a carrier for tuning purposes.

To link the FT DX 9000 Contest and VL-1000 Power switches, set the VL-1000 REMOTE switch to the ON position.

ANTENNA CABLE Supplied w/VL-1000

~AC IN

ANT 1

ANT 2

ANT 3

ANT 4

（）

ANTENNA

ANT 1

ANT 2

ANT 3

REMOTE

OFF

BAND DATA 1

BAND DATA 2

INPUT 1

PTT 1

PTT 2

INPUT 2

ALC 1

CONTROL

ALC 2

DC48V IN

GND

EXT ALC

BAND DATA 2

BAND DATA 1

BAND DATA CABLE

CONTROL CABLE User constructed

ALC CABLE Supplied w/VL-1000

（）

Supplied w/VL-1000

（）

BAND-DATA 1

BAND-DATA 2

ALC 1

GND

DC 48V IN

VP-1000

¾¾

CONTROL

VP-1000

Page 17FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 20

INSTALLATION AND INTERCONNECTIONS

INTERFACING TO OTHER LINEAR AMPLIFIERS

ANTENNA CABLE 50

50 MHz

Antenna

ANT 1

ANT 2

GND

EXT ALC

TX GND

（Ω）

~AC IN

HF Antenna

ANT 1

INPUT 1

RF INRF OUT

GND

ACFUSEGND

GND RELAYALC

GND

Note

 The TX/RX switching in the linear amplifier is controlled by switching components in the transceiver. The relay circuit

of the FT DX 9000 Contest used for this switching is capable of switching AC voltage of 100 Volts at up to 300 mA, or DC voltages or 60 V at 200 mA or 30 V at up to 1 Amp. In order to engage the switching relay, use Menu item “TX GNRL 156 EXT AMP TX-GND” within the “TX GNRL” Menu Group; set this Menu selection to “ENABLE” to activate the amplifier switching relay.

 The specified range for ALC voltage to be used with the FT DX 9000 Contest is 0 to –4 Volts DC.  Amplifier systems utilizing different voltages will not work correctly with the FT DX 9000 Contest, and their ALC lines

must not be connected if this is the case.

Page 18 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 21

PLUG/CONNECTOR PINOUT DIAGRAMS

CAT

N/A SERIAL OUT SERIAL IN N/A GND N/A N/A N/A NC

(as viewed from rear panel)

DATA IN GND PTT DATA OUT BUSY

(as viewed from rear panel)

MIC XLR

()

MIC-GND MIC-Hot MIC-Cold

BAND DATA1

EXT ALC TX GND GND NC NC TXINH FSET

(as viewed from rear panel)

ROTATOR

RT1 RT2 RT3 RT4 GND NC

(as viewed from rear panel)

MIC

UP +5V DOWN FAST GND PTT MIC GND MIC

BAND DATA2

+13V TX GND GND BAND DATA A BAND DATA B BAND DATA C BAND DATA D LINEAR

(as viewed from rear panel)

RTTYPACK ET

RX OUT PTT GND SHIFT

(as viewed from rear panel)

RCA PLUG

GND or

（－）

SIGNAL or

（＋）

(as viewed from front panel)

REMOTE

GND

SIGNAL

PHONE

MAIN GND

SUB

(as viewed from rear panel)

AF OUT

SUB VFO-B

()

MAIN GND

()

VFO-A

EXT SPKR

GND

SIGNAL

KEY

For Internal Keyer For Straight Key

DOT DASH COMMON

KEY GND

Do not use 2-conductor type plug

Page 19FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 22

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

MOX Switch

Pressing this button engages the PTT (Push to Talk) circuit, to activate the transmitter. It must be in the undepressed position for reception. This switch replicates the action of the Push to Talk (PTT) switch on the microphone. When engaging the MOX switch, or otherwise causing a transmission to be started, be certain you have either an antenna or 50-Ohm dummy load connected to the selected Antenna jack.

VOX Switch

VOX Operation: This button enables automatic voiceactuated transmitter switching in the SSB, AM, and FM modes. While activated, the LED inside this button glows red. The controls affecting VOX operation are the front panel’s VOX and DELAY knobs (see section ( ) below. By proper adjustment of these controls, hands-free voice-actuated operation is possible.

DIM Switch

Press this button to lower the illumination intensity of the analog meters, the frequency display, and the LCD. Press it once more to restore full brightness.

Advice

Menu Items “DISPLAY 014 DIMMER-METER” and “DISPLAY 015 DIMMER-VFD” allow you to con- figure the dimming levels for the analog meters and the frequency display/LCD independently, so you can customize the brightness levels.

PHONES Jack

A 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts either monaural or stereo headphones with 2- or 3-contact plugs. When a plug is inserted, the loudspeaker is disabled. With stereo headphones such as the optional YH-77STA, you can monitor both VFO-A and VFO-B receiver channels at the same time during Dual Receive operation. Note: When wearing headphones, we recommend that you turn the AF Gain levels down to their lowest settings before turning power on, to minimize the impact on your hearing caused by audio “pops” during switchon.

POWER Switch

Press and hold in this switch for two seconds to turn the transceiver on, after first setting the rear panel Power switch to the “I” position. Press and hold in this switch for two seconds, similarly, to turn the transceiver off. If the rear panel’s Power switch is set to the “O” position, the front panel POWER switch will not function.

Advice

This is the actual power On/Off switch for turning on the transceiver. When the rear panel’s Power switch is set to the ( I ) position, power is supplied to the OCXO to stabilize the reference oscillator, and the remainder of the transceiver is set in a “stand-by” mode, awaiting the command for the transceiver to switch on via the front panel POWER switch. For further information on the rear panel Power switch, please see the discussion on page 34.

Page 20 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 23

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

KEY Jack

This 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts a CW key or keyer paddles (for the built-in electronic keyer), or output from an external electronic keyer. Pinout is shown on page 16. Key up voltage is 5 V, and key down current is 1 mA. This jack may be configured for keyer, “Bug,” “straight key,” or computer keying interface operation via Menu Selection “MODE-CW 041 F-KEYER TYPE” (see page 120). There is another jack with the same name on the rear panel, and it may be configured independently for Internal Keyer or pseudo-straight-key operation.

Note

You cannot use a 2-contact plug in this jack (to do so produces a constant “key down” condition).

Cannon (“XLR”) Microphone Connector

This Cannon-type (XLR) connector accepts input from the Microphone or other XLR-equipped microphone system. MIC connector pinout is shown on page 15. Proper microphone input impedance is 500 ~ 600 Ohms. If you are using a condenser microphone requiring 48 Volts DC, you may enable this voltage to appear on the microphone line; see page 67. When the 48-volt supply line has been enabled, the LED adjacent to the MIC jack will glow red. To disconnect the microphone plug, draw out the microphone plug while pressing and holding in the silver push-button.

IPO

(Intercept Point Optimization)

The IPO(A) Lamp-button may be used to set the optimum receiver front end characteristics of the VFOA circuit for a very strong-signal environment. Selecting IPO bypasses the front end RF amplifier and feeds the received signals directly to the first mixer of the VFO-A receiver circuit. While the IPO feature is activated, this button will remain illuminated. The IPO(B) Lamp-button, similarly, allows direct feed of the received signals to the first mixer of the VFO-B circuit. While the IPO feature is activated on the VFO-B, this button will be lit.

Advice

The FT DX 9000 Contest’s first mixer is an active type, using four SST310 Junction FETs. This mixer design provides gain to the receiver chain, so the noise figure of the receiver is fundamentally lower than with some other designs. Therefore, it frequently is not necessary to utilize the RF preamplifier, and the receiver Intercept Point will be substantially increased by engaging IPO, so as to feed the incoming signals directly to the first (active) mixer. We recommend that IPO be switched on whenever possible.

Switch

ANTENNA SELECT Switches

These momentary buttons select the antenna jack on the rear panel, with the selection indicated by the LED in each button. When an antenna has been selected for operation on the VFO-A, the LED in the button glows red. When an antenna has been selected for operation on the VFO-B, the LED in the button glows umber.

TUNE Switch

This is the on/off switch for the FT DX 9000 Contest’s Automatic Antenna Tuner. Pressing this button momentarily places the antenna tuner in line between the transmitter final amplifier and the antenna jack (the LED will become illuminated). Reception is not affected. Pressing and holding in this button for 1/2 second, while receiving in an amateur band, activates the transmitter for a few seconds while the automatic antenna tuner rematches the antenna system impedance for minimum SWR. The resulting setting is automatically stored in one of the antenna tuner’s 100 memories, for instant automatic recall later when the receiver is tuned near the same frequency. Pressing this button momentarily, while the Tuner is engaged, will take the Automatic Antenna tuner out of the transmit line.

Note

When the Automatic Antenna tuner is tuning itself, a signal is being transmitted. Therefore, be absolutely certain that an antenna or dummy load is connected to the selected antenna jack before pressing and holding in the TUNE button to start antenna tuning.

METER Switch

This control switch determines the function of the Main Meter during transmission. COMP: Indicates the RF speech compressor level

(SSB modes only).

PO: Indicates the power output level. SWR: Indicates the Standing Wave Ratio (For-

ward: Reflected).

IDD: Indicates the final amplifier drain current. MIC LVL: Indicates the relative microphone level.

MONI (Monitor) Switch

This button enables the transmit (RF) monitor in all modes (except CW, in which the monitor function is always on, to produce the sidetone). While activated, the LED in this button glows red. Adjustment of the Monitor level is accomplished using the MONI knob, located just to the right of the MONI switch.

Advice

When using headphones, the Monitor is highly useful for making adjustments to the Parametric Equalizer or other voice quality adjustments, because the voice quality heard in the headphones is such a “natural” reproduction of the transmitted audio quality.

Page 21FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 24

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

AGC ATT Knobs

AGC Knobs

This switch selects the AGC characteristics for the VFO-A.

ATT Knobs

This switch selects the degree of attenuation, if any, to be applied to the VFO-A.

Advice

The Attenuator may be used in conjunction with the IPO switch (# , described previously) to provide two stages of signal reduction when an extremely strong signal is being received.

MONI PITCH Knobs

MONI Knob

The inner MONI knob adjusts the audio level of the transmit RF monitor during transmission (relative to the AF GAIN control: # , described later), when activated by the MONI button (# , described previously).

PITCH Knob

The outer PITCH knob selects your preferred CW tone pitch (from 300 ~ 1000 Hz, in 50 Hz increments). The Tx sidetone, receiver IF passband, and display offset from the BFO (carrier) frequency are all affected simultaneously. The Pitch control setting also affects the operation of the CW Tuning Indicator, as the center frequency of the CW Tuning Indicator will follow the setting of this control.

MIC PROC Knobs

MIC Knob

The inner MIC knob adjusts the microphone input level for (non-processed) SSB transmission.

Advice

If you adjust the MIC Gain while speaking in a louderthan-normal voice level and watching the ALC level on the right-side meter, adjust the MIC Gain so that the ALC reaches over to the right edge of the ALC scale. Then, when you speak in a more normal voice level, you’ll be certain not to be over-driving the mic amplifier stage.

PROC Knob

The outer PROC knob sets the compression (input) level of the transmitter RF speech processor in the SSB and modes, when activated by the button with the same name (see next section).

PROC (Processor) Switch

This button enables the RF speech processor for SSB transmission. Processing level is set by the outer control with the same name (see previous section). While activated, the LED in this button glows red.

Advice

The Speech Processor is a tool for increasing the average power output through a compression technique. However, if the PROC level control is advanced too far, the increase in compression becomes counter-productive, as intelligibility will suffer. We recommend that you monitor the sound of your signal using the Monitor (with headphones), then advance the PROC level only as far as required to obtain a useful increase in average power output. When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you

Page 22 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 25

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

may use the Audio Scope/Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Compression Level of the Speech Processor for the optimum performance using your voice and microphone.

VOX DELAY Knobs

VOX Knob

The inner VOX knob sets the gain of the VOX circuit, to set the level of microphone audio needed to activate the transmitter during voice operation while the VOX switch (# , described previously) is engaged. The VOX switch must be switched On to engage the VOX circuit.

DELAY Knob

The outer DELAY knob sets the hang time of the VOX circuit, between the moment you stop speaking, and the automatic switch from transmit back to receive. Adjust this for smooth VOX operation, so the receiver is only activated when your transmission is ended and you wish to receive. For CW operation, you can adjust the keying delay separately; see control # below.

KEYER Switch

This button toggles the internal CW keyer on and off. While activated, the LED in this button glows red. The Keyer sending speed, and the CW Hang Time are adjusted via the controls described in the next section.

SPEED CW DELAY Knobs

The internal Electronic Keyer is activated by the

KEYER switch, described in the previous section.

SPEED Knob

The inner SPEED knob adjusts the keying speed of the internal CW keyer. Clockwise rotation increases the sending speed.

CW DELAY Knob

This outer CW DELAY knob sets the hang time of the CW “VOX” circuit, between the moment you stop sending, and the automatic switch from transmit back to receive during “Semi-break-in” operation. Adjust this just long enough to prevent the receiver from being restored during word spaces at your preferred sending speed. Clockwise rotation increases the hang time.

Note

The SSB VOX hang time is adjusted via the DELAY control (# , described previously).

BK-IN/SPOT Switches

This button turns the full break-in (QSK) CW capability on and off. While QSK is activated, the LED in this button glows red. The SPOT button turns on the CW receiver spotting tone; by matching the SPOT tone to that of the incoming CW signal (precisely the same pitch), you will be “zero beating” your transmitted signal on to the frequency of the other station.

NB/SQL Knobs

NB Knob

The inner NB knob adjusts the noise blanking level when the (analog) IF noise blanker is activated by pressing the NB switch (# below). The Noise Blanker is activated via the NB switch, described in the next section.

SQL Knob

The outer SQL knob sets the signal level threshold at which VFO-A audio is muted, in all modes. It is very useful during local rag-chews, to eliminate noise between incoming transmissions. This control is normally kept fully counter-clockwise (off), except when scanning and during FM operation.

NB Switch

Pressing this button activates the (analog) IF Noise Blanker, which may help reduce many different types of man-made impulse noise (but not atmospherics). When the Noise Blanker is activated, the LED inside the button will glow red. Adjustment of the Noise Blanker level is accomplished via the NB knob (# above), described in the previous section.

Page 23FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 26

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

KEY Jack

This 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts a CW key or keyer paddles (for the built-in electronic keyer), or output from an external electronic keyer. Pinout is shown on page 16. Key up voltage is 5 V, and key down current is 1 mA. This jack may be configured for keyer, “Bug,” “straight key,” or computer keying interface operation via Menu item “MODE-CW 041 F-KEYER TYPE” (see page 120). There is another jack with the same name on the rear panel, and it may be configured independently for Internal Keyer or pseudo-straight-key operation.

Note

This Key jack is connected in parallel with the jack with the same name on the front panel. You cannot use a 2-contact plug in this jack (to do so produces a constant “key down” condition).

PHONES Jack

Note

This Phones jack is connected in parallel with the jack with the same name on the front panel. When wearing headphones, we recommend that you turn the AF Gain levels down to their lowest settings before turning power on, to minimize the impact on your

ing caused by audio “pops” during switch-on.

hear-

ROOFING Switch

This button selects the bandwidth for the VFO-A receiver’s first IF Roofing Filter. Available selections are 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 15 kHz, or Auto, and the LED indicator will change according to the bandwidth selected.

Advice

Because the roofing filter is in the first IF, the protection it provides against interference is quite significant. When set to AUTO, the SSB bandwidth is 6 kHz, while CW is 3 kHz and FM/RTTY are 15 kHz. On a crowded SSB band, however, you may wish to select the 3 kHz filter, for the maximum possible interference rejection.

D.NOTCH Switch

This button turns the VFO-A Digital Notch Filter on and off. When the Digital Notch Filter is activated, the LED indicator will glow red. This is an automatic circuit, and there is no adjustment knob for the D.NOTCH.

MODE Switches

A, B Button

Pressing the A or B switch will illuminate the respective indicator imbedded within the switch, allowing adjustment of the operating mode on the VFOA or VFO-B. Pressing the A switch causes the indicator to glow Red, signifying VFO-A is being adjusted. Similarly, pressing the B switch will cause its indicator to glow Orange, signifying VFO-B adjustment.

Advice

When changing bands, be sure to press the A or

B switch first, then press the appropriate Band selector switch, so as to change operating frequencies on the proper (VFO-A or VFO-B).

Page 24 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 27

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

LSB, USB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, PKT Button

Pressing the LSB , USB , CW , AM , FM ,

RTTY , or PKT button will select the operating

mode. Pressing the CW , AM , RTTY , or

PKT button multiple times will switch between the alternate operating features that can be used on these modes (covered later). Also, when you press and hold in the PKT button for one second, the user-programmed custom function setting mode will be activated.

QMB (Quick Memory Bank) Switch

STO (Store) Button

Pressing this button copies operating information (frequency, mode, bandwidth, and also repeater direction/ shift frequency and CTCSS functions on the FM mode) into consecutive QMB Memories.

RCL (Recall) Button

Pressing this button recalls one of up to five Quick Memory Bank memories for operation.

NAR (Narrow) Switch

In the SSB/CW mode, this button is used to set the bandwidth of the DSP IF filters to a user-programmed bandwidth (default values are SSB: 1.8 kHz, CW/ RTTY/PSK: 300 Hz, AM: 6 kHz). When NAR has been engaged, the WIDTH knob will be disabled. In the AM mode, this button is used to toggle the receiver’s bandwidth between wide (9 kHz) and narrow (6 kHz). In the FM mode on the 28 MHz and 50 MHz bands, this button is used to toggle the FM deviation/bandwidth between wide (± 5.0 kHz Dev./25.0 kHz BW) and narrow (± 2.5 kHz Dev./12.5 kHz BW). Pressing the A or B button (located above the MODE selection buttons) will select either the VFOA or VFO-B for individual bandwidth setting.

Advice

When NAR has been engaged, the WIDTH knob will be disabled, although IF Shift still works normally.

SPLIT Switch

Pressing this button to activates split frequency operation between the VFO-A, used for transmission and VFO-B, used for reception. The same name LED located at the right of the main tuning knob glows orange while this function is active. If you press and hold in the SPLIT switch for two seconds, the “Quick Split” feature will be engaged, whereby the VFO-B will automatically be set to a frequency 5 kHz higher than the VFO-A frequency, and the transceiver will be placed in the Split mode.

TXW “TX Watch” Switch

Pressing this key lets you monitor the transmit frequency when split frequency operation is engaged. When receiving on the transmit frequency, the LED indicator will glow green. Press this key again to return to normal operation.

RX Indicator/Switch

This switch, when pressed, engages the VFO-A ; the indicator will glow Green when the VFO-A is active. When the VFO-A is active, pressing this button momentarily will mute the receiver, and the indicator will blink. Pressing the button once more will restore receiver operation, and the indicator will glow Green steadily.

TX Indicator/Switch

When this button is pushed, the indicator will glow Red, and the transmitter will be engaged on the same frequency and mode as was set up for the VFO-A (subject to any Clarifier offset, of course).

Advice

If this indicator is not illuminated, it means that the VFO-B TX indicator has been selected (it will be glowing Red). In this case, transmission will be effected on the frequency and mode programmed for the VFOB.

Main Dial Knob

This large knob adjusts the operating frequency of the VFO-A or a recalled memory. Clockwise rotation of this knob increases the frequency. Default tuning increments are 10 Hz (100 Hz in AM and FM modes); when the FAST switch is pressed, the tuning steps increase. The available steps are:

Operating Mode 1 Step* 1 Dial Rotation

LSB/USB/CW/RTTY/PKT(LSB) AM/FM/PKT(FM) 100 Hz (1 kHz) 100 kHz (1 MHz)

Numbers in parentheses indicate steps when the [FAST] switch is On.

Advice

The tuning steps for the Main Tuning Dial (described in this section) are set, at the factory, to 10 Hz per step. Via Menu item “TUNING 129 MAIN DIAL STEP,” however, you may change this setting from 10 Hz to 1 Hz instead. When 1 Hz basic steps are selected, the action of the FAST button (# below) will be changed to 1/10 of the values listed above.

10 Hz (100 Hz) 10 kHz (100 kHz)

FAST Switch

Pressing this button will increase or decrease the tuning rate of the Main Tuning Knob (# above) by a factor of ten, as mentioned in the previous section. When this function is activated, the LED inside the button will glow red.

LOCK Switch

This button toggles locking of the main tuning knob, to prevent accidental frequency changes. When the button is active, the Main Tuning Knob (# , described previously) can still be turned, but the frequency will not change, and the LED inside the button will glow red.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

C.S Switch

Press this button momentarily to recall a favorite Menu Selection directly. To program a Menu selection as the short-cut, press the MNU key (# , described later) to enter the Menu, then select the item you want to set as the shortcut. Now press and hold in the C/S key for two seconds; this will lock in the selected Menu item as the short-cut.

RF PWR BIAS Knobs

RF PWR Knob

This is the main RF Power output control for the transceiver, active in all operating modes. Clockwise rotation increases the power output. Adjust this control for the desired power output from the FT DX 9000 Contest, or for the desired system output when using a linear amplifier or transverter.

BIAS Knob

During SSB operation, pressing the CLASS-A button (# below) will lower the power output to a maximum of 75 Watts, and the BIAS control will then provide adjustment of the final amplifier Bias level between classes AB and A. Full Class-A operation provides an ultra-clean SSB wave-form. Because Class A is a high-bias, low-efficiency mode, you should monitor the heat sink temperature (using the “SWR” page on the LCD periodically to ensure that the operating temperature is within the safe range, and you may adjust the Bias level more toward the “AB” side if the heat sink gets too warm. The power output will not change if you adjust the setting of the BIAS control.

CLASS-A Switch

Pressing this switch engages the Class-A capability for the transmitter. The power output will be reduced to a maximum of 75 Watts, and the Bias level may be adjusted using the BIAS control (# above), described in the previous section. When Class-A operation is engaged, the Red LED inside this switch will light up. Press this switch once more to return to Class AB operation at a maximum power output of 200 Watts; the Red LED will shut off to confirm Class AB operation.

XB Switch

Press this button momentarily to transfer data from the VFO-A frequency (or a recalled memory channel) to the VFO-B, overwriting any previous contents in the VFO-B. Use this key to set both VFO-A and VFO-B to the same frequency and mode.

XA Switch

Press this button momentarily to transfer data from the VFO-B frequency to the VFO-A, overwriting any previous contents in the VFO-A. Use this key to set both VFO-A and VFO-B to the same frequency and mode.

B Switch

Pressing this button momentarily exchanges the contents of the VFO-A (or a recalled memory channel) and the VFO-B.

V/M Switch

This button toggles VFO-A operation between the memory system and the VFO. Either “VFO,” “MEM,” or “M TUNE” will be displayed to the left of the main frequency display field to indicate the current selec-

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

tion. If you have tuned off of a Memory channel frequency (M TUNE), pressing this button returns the display to the original memory contents (MEM), and pressing it once more returns operation to the VFOA.

XA Switch

Pressing this button momentarily displays the contents of the currently-selected memory channel for three seconds. Holding this button in for 2 seconds copies the data from the currently-selected memory to the VFO-A, as two beeps sound. Previous data in the VFO-A will be overwritten.

XM Switch

Pressing and holding in this key for 1/2 second (until the double beep) copies the current operating data from the VFO-A into the currently selected memory channel, overwriting any previous data stored there. Also, pressing and holding in this button after recalling a memory, without first retuning, causes the memory channel to be “masked,” and repeating the process restores the masked memory.

A-BUSY Indicator

This LED glows green whenever the VFO-A squelch is open. If this indicator is not illuminated, and reception seems to have been “lost” on the VFO-A for no apparent reason, check the position of the SQL control (# , described previously) and rotate it fully counter-clockwise to restore reception.

TX Indicator

This indicator glows Red during transmission. If you attempt to transmit while operating outside of an Amateur band, this indicator will blink Red, indicating an “out of band” condition.

B-BUSY Indicator

This LED glows green whenever the VFO-B squelch is open. If this indicator is not illuminated, and reception seems to have been “lost” on the VFO-B for no apparent reason, check the position of the SQL control (# , described previously) and rotate it fully counter-clockwise to restore reception.

Tuning Offset Indicator

This is a tuning scale that, as configured from the factory, provides a visual CW tuning indication of the incoming signal’s offset from your transceiver’s CW carrier frequency, as programmed by the position of the PITCH control (# , described previously).

Advice Using Menu item “DISPLAY 016 BAR DISPLAY SELECT,” you can choose indication of the CW -

TUNE, Clarifier, VRF, or IF Notch function.

SPLIT Indicator

This indicator glows Red when the “Split” mode is engaged (with the VFO-A and VFO-B operating on different frequencies).

DUAL Indicator

In the standard FT DX 9000 Contest version, this indicator does not function. When the optional Dual Receive Unit (RXU-9000) is installed, the Dual Indicator will be available for use.

HI SWR Indicator

This indicator glows Red if the directional coupler and microprocessor detect an abnormally high SWR condition (over 3.0:1) that cannot be resolved by the Automatic Antenna Tuner.

Note

If this indicator lights up, check to be sure that you have the correct antenna selected on the current operating band. If so, you will need to check the condition of the antenna, its coaxial cable, and/or the connectors on the cable so as to locate and correct the fault.

S-Meter (VFO-A)

There are five functions on the main multi-meter. The bottom five selections in the list below are transmit functions, determined by the position of the METER switch (# , described previously): S: Indicates the received signal strength on

the VFO-A, from S-0 to S9 +60 dB.

PO: Indicates the RF Power Output, from 0 to

250 Watts on transmit.

COMP: Indicates the compression level of the

speech processor, from 0 to 20 dB.

IC: Indicates the final amplifier drain current

(ID), from 0 to 15 A.

SWR: Indicates the antenna system observed

standing wave ratio (SWR), from 1.0 to

5.0.

MIC LVL: Indicates the relative level of modulation

from the microphone amplifier stage (affected by the setting of the MIC Gain control: # , described previously).

S-Meter (VFO-B)

On receive, this meter displays signal strength of incoming signals as received on the VFO-B. On transmit, this meter serves as the ALC meter. The function of this meter, on transmit, can be changed to indication or PA Voltage (VDD) via Menu item “DIS- PLAY 019 RIGHT TX METER.”

ALC: Display of relative ALC voltage. On SSB, the

ALC level is chiefly controlled via the MIC Gain control (# , described previously).

VDD: Final amplifier FET Drain Voltage (nominal

value: 50 V).

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

VDD TEMP SWRBIAS

Frequency Display (See Page 36)

The upper large display field indicates the current operating frequency on the VFO-A, and its TX/RX status. The lower small display field indicates the current operating frequency on the VFO-B, and its TX/RX status.

LCD Display

This 1.8 inch LCD display is used for viewing the status of the VFO-A and VFO-B VFOs, and it indicates the Menu listing.

VDD/BIAS Meter

You may observe the Drain Voltage on the final amplifier FETs, using this meter. As well, the current Bias Level being utilized may be observed. Press the

VDD (# below) or BIAS (# below) switch

to select the desired information.

VDD Switch

Pressing this switch enables display of the final amplifier FET Drain Voltage on the VDD/BIAS meter (# above); a red LED will light up to confirm your selection. The display range is 0 ~ 60 Volts, and a reading of 50 Volts is normal during transmission.

BIAS Switch

Pressing this switch enables display of the final amplifier FET Bias Level currently in use; a red LED will light up to confirm your selection. During Class-A operation, the Bias Level will indicate “0%” during Class AB operation, and “100%” during Class A. Because the power output is fixed when the “Class A” mode has been engaged, you may adjust the Bias Level, according to the measured temperature, anywhere between Class AB and Class A, without having to worry about the drive level being applied to your linear amplifier.

TEMP/SWR Meter

This meter allows monitoring of the heat sink temperature or the SWR as measured at the rear-panel Antenna jack. Press the TEMP (# below) or SWR (# below) switch to select the desired display function.

TEMP Switch

Pressing this switch enables monitoring of the heat sink temperature; a red LED will light up to confirm your selection. The measurement range for the temperature display is 0 °C ~ 100 °C, and there are four stages of cooling fan speed that will,, progressively, increase the air flow if the temperature rises to near the “red zone” (80 °C or higher). Because of the advanced cooling system, there should never be a circumstance where the temperature will rise this high, but if you are operating in a hot environment, in Class A, and are making long transmissions, you may wish to reduce the Bias Level closer to Class AB to reduce the heat dissipation associated with Class A operation.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

SWR Switch

Pressing this switch enables display of the antenna system SWR; a red LED will light up to confirm your selection. The SWR measured at the rear panel Antenna Jack will be displayed during transmission.

BAND Keys

These keys allow selection of the operating band. One key is provided for each Amateur band between

1.8 MHz and 50 MHz (except for the 60-meter band, covered via the Memory system). As well, direct frequency entry of the desired operating frequency may be accomplished using these keys. If you press and hold in the ENT key for two seconds, the frequency display area will change to indicate the rotator position, if you have a YAESU G-800DXA/-1000DXA/-2800DXA rotator’s control cable connected to the rear panel of the transceiver, and you can then control the position of the rotator from the front panel.

CONTOUR Knob

This knob selects the desired VFO-B CONTOUR filter response. The CONTOUR filter is engaged via the

CONT switch (# below).

CONT Button

This button turns the CONTOUR filter on and off. When the CONTOUR filter is activated, the LED inside the button will glow umber. Adjustment of the CONTOUR filter’s center frequency is provided by the CONTOUR knob (# above).

Quick Note

There are times, when you’re trying to remove interference with a sharp DSP filter, that the remaining signal has a somewhat unnatural sound. This is caused by the cutting of some frequency components, leaving other components in excess. The CONTOUR filter allows you (especially) to roll off certain frequency components inside the remaining passband, but in a smooth manner that helps restore a natural sound and/ or raise intelligibility.

Advice

 The action of the CONTOUR filter may be ad-

justed via Menu item “RX DSP 078 MAIN-

CONTOUR-LEVEL” and “RX DSP 079 MAINCONTOUR-WIDTH.”

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope on the Audio Scope/Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Contour control for the optimum performance. The effect of the Contour adjustments will be easy to see on the Audio Scope.

NR Knob

This knob selects the optimum VFO-A Digital Noise Reduction response. The Noise Reduction circuit is engaged via the NR switch (# below).

NR Switch

This button turns the Digital Noise Reduction circuit on and off. When the Digital Noise Reduction is activated, the LED inside the button will glow umber. Adjustment of the Noise Reduction level is provided by the NR knob (# above).

VRF/μ Knob

This knob tunes the passband of the RF filter (18 MHz and higher Amateur bands) for maximum receiver sensitivity (and out-of-band interference rejection).

Quick Point

When the optional RF μ-Tuning Unit is installed, this knob allows adjustment of the center frequency of the μ-Tuning filter passband.

VRF/μ Switch

This button turns the VRF filter on and off. While activated, the LED inside the button will glow red.

Quick Point

When the optional RF μ-Tuning Unit is installed, pressing this switch will engage the μ-Tuning preselector function. The μ-Tuning Units provide much better RF selectivity than any other RF filter in the Amateur industry, yielding outstanding protection from high RF levels not far removed from the current operating frequency.

NOTCH Knob

This adjusts the center frequency of the IF Notch filter, when engaged by the NOTCH switch (# below).

NOTCH Switch

This button turns the VFO-A IF notch filter on and off. When the IF notch filter is activated, the LED inside the button will glow red. The Notch Filter center frequency is adjusted via the NOTCH knob (# above).

Advice

 The width of the notch may be set to either “Wide”

or “Narrow” via Menu item “RX DSP 082 IF- NOTCH-WIDTH” in the RX DSP Menu Group. Setting this selection to “Narrow” will provide a very sharp notch, with minimal disturbance to the incoming signal wave-form.

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope on the Audio Scope/Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Notch filter control for the optimum performance. The effect of the Notch filter adjustments will be easy to see on the Audio Scope.

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VDD TEMP SWRBIAS

MNU Key

This key is used to engage the configuration Menu. When this key is pressed the Menu Mode information will appear on the LCD, allowing selection and adjustment of the various Menu items. Use the Main Tuning Dial (# , described previously) to select the desired Menu item, then use the

CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described later) to adjust the setting of the selected Menu item. When you are done, press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the revised settings and exit to normal operation.

AF GAIN RF GAIN Knobs

AF GAIN Knob

Clockwise rotation of this control increases the Volume level. Typically, you will operate with this control set past the 9 o’clock to 10 o’clock position.

RF GAIN Knob

This is the control that adjusts the gain of the VFOA’s RF and IF stages. Clockwise rotation increases the gain level, and this control typically is left in the fully clockwise position, which provides maximum receiver gain.

P.BACK Switch

Press and hold in this button for 2 seconds to activate the recording feature of the internal Digital Voice Recorder. The Voice Recorder allows you to record the VFO-A audio for the most-recent 30 seconds. While you’re recording the receiver audio, the LED in this button glows red. Press and hold in this button for 2 seconds once more to stop the recording, then press this button momentarily again to play back the receiver audio for the most-recent 30 seconds of reception before you stopped the recording. While playing back the receiver audio, the LED inside button will glow umber. Press and hold in this button for 2 seconds again to resume recording.

AFL Switch

Pressing this button activates the Audio (AF) Limiter circuit of the VFO-B. This will protect the audio amplifier from distortion, and protect your ears from high audio levels, caused by sudden peaks in audio input when the AGC is set to “OFF.” When the Audio Limiter circuit is activated, the LED inside the button will glow orange.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

SHIFT WIDTH Knobs

(except on AM and FM mode)

SHIFT Knob

The inner SHIFT knob provides adjustment of the IF DSP passband, using 20 Hz steps for precise adjustment and easy reduction of interference on either side of your operating frequency. The total adjustment range is ± 1 kHz. The normal operating setting for this knob is straight up, in the 12 o’clock position.

WIDTH Knob

The outer WIDTH knob, when turned to the 12 o’clock position, sets the overall IF bandwidth of the VFO-A to its maximum bandwidth. Turning the

WIDTH knob either direction, reduces the overall IF bandwidth of the VFO-A. When the NAR (Narrow) filter selection is engaged, this control is disabled. The SHIFT control, however, is still fully functional. Use this control to narrow the IF DSP passband, as necessary, to reduce interference. The SHIFT control may be used to re-center the passband response on the incoming signal, and you may find that the CONTOUR and IF NOTCH filters may also help improve intelligibility and/or reduce interference.

Advice

When the NAR switch has been pushed, the

WIDTH control no longer functions. The IF SHIFT system is still fully operational, however.

ACM (Adjacent Channel monitor) Switch

(CW Mode only)

In the standard FT DX 9000 Contest version, this switch does not function. When the optional Dual Receive Unit (RXU-9000) is installed, the Adjacent Channel Monitor will be available for use (because it utilizes the second receiver to provide the ACM function).

Advice

When the RXU-9000 is installed, engaging ACM utilizes the VFO-B to monitor a 2.4 kHz window outside your current CW passband (for example, 500 Hz) for the VFO-A. The peak signal strengths within this

2.4 kHz window are displayed on the VFO-B’s Smeter, alerting you to encroachment from other stations. The ACM results are only displayed on the Smeter, you will not be annoyed by the audio from the potentially-interfering stations.

RX Indicator/Switch

This is the switch that turns the VFO-B On and Off. When this button is pressed to make the VFO-B active, the Green LED imbedded within the switch will light up. Pressing the switch again will disable this receiver, and the imbedded Green LED will turn off.

TX Indicator/Switch

This is the switch that turns the VFO-B transmitter On and Off. When this button is pressed to transfer transmitter control to the VFO-B frequency and mode, the Red LED imbedded within the switch will light up. Pressing this switch once more will transfer frequency/mode control back to the VFO-A side, and the Red LED imbedded within this switch will turn off.

CLAR (Clarifier) Switch

When this switch is pushed, the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described later) will be enabled for the purpose of utilizing the CLAR/VFO-B knob as an “Offset tuning” control to allow tuning away from the VFO-A frequency.

BAND/MHz Switch

BAND Switch

Pressing this button momentarily allows you to select the VFO-A operating band (Amateur bands) using the

CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described later).

MHz Switch

Pressing and holding in this button for 2 seconds allows you to tune the VFO-A frequency down or up in 1 MHz increments, using the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described later).

B-DISP OFF Switch

Pressing this button causes the VFO-B frequency to be blanked out, for local rag-chews or other occasions when the additional display information is not needed. When this function is activated, the LED inside the button will glow green.

MCH/GRP Switch

MCH Switch

Pressing this button momentarily allows you to select the memory channel using the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described later).

GRP Switch

Pressing and holding in this button for 2 seconds allows you to select the memory group using the CLAR/ VFO-B knob (# , described later).

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

VDD TEMP SWRBIAS

CLAR/VFO-B Knob

Depending on the status of the A/B switch (# , described later) the CLAR/VFO-B is used for functions associated with the VFO-A or VFO-B frequency control registers.

Advice

Functions Associated with VFO-A Control

In the case of VFO-A control, this knob is used for Clarifier tuning, as well as Up/Down selection of the Amateur band, Memory Channels, 1 MHz tuning steps, or Memory Groups. For VFO-A control, be sure that the Orange lamp beside this control is not illuminated. If the Orange lamp is turned on, press the A/B switch (# ) to turn it off.

Clarifier Operation

When the CLAR switch (# ) is pushed, this knob may be used to program an offset of up to ± 9.99 kHz from the VFO-A frequency. This offset is only applied, however, to the receive or transmit frequency if the FAST/RX switch (# ) and/or BAND/MHz / TX switch (# ), respectively, have been pushed. To apply the programmed frequency offset to the Receive frequency, press the FAST/RX switch momentarily. To return to the VFO-A frequency, without the offset, press the FAST/RX switch once more. To apply the programmed frequency offset to the Transmit frequency, press the BAND/MHz / TX switch momentarily. To return the transmitter to the VFO-A frequency, without the offset, press the BAND/ MHz / TX switch once more. To reset the Clarifier frequency to “0” offset, press the B.MODE/ CLEAR switch (# ).

Functions Associated with VFO-B Operation

When the A/B switch (# ) is pressed, the Orange lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) will light up, and this knob will now be exercising control functions associated with the VFO-B frequency control register. If the Orange lamp is not illuminated, please press the

A/B switch. Rotation of the knob will now control the VFO-B frequency.

VFO-B FAST Tuning

When the FAST/RX switch (# ) is pressed, the imbedded LED will light up, and tuning of the VFO-B frequency will increase by a factor of 10. Press the FAST/RX switch once more to return to the normal tuning rate.

VFO-B BAND/MHz Up/Down Control

If you press the BAND/MHz / TX switch (# ) momentarily, the imbedded LED will light up, and this knob may now be used for selection of the desired Amateur band. Pressing the BAND/MHz / TX switch once again will cancel Up/Down Band selection, and the LED will turn off. If you press and hold in the BAND/MHz / TX switch for 2 seconds, the imbedded LED will light up, and this knob may now be

BAND/MHz Up/Down Control

When the BAND/MHz switch (# ) is pressed momentarily, the Red LED imbedded in the switch will light up, and you may then use this knob for selecting the desired Amateur band. If you have engaged the “My Bands” feature via Menu #135, this knob will select from among just the Amateur bands that you have included in the “My Bands” list. If you press and hold in the BAND/MHz switch for 2 seconds, the imbedded LED will glow Orange, and this knob may now be used for rapid tuning in 1 MHz frequency steps.

Memory Channel/Memory Group Control

Pressing the MCH/GRP switch (# ) momentarily will enable the use of this knob for selection of the desired Memory Channel. Pressing and holding in the MCH/GRP switch for two seconds will enable the use of this knob for selecting the desired Memory Group.

used for Up/Down tuning of the VFO-B frequency in 1 MHz steps. Press the BAND/MHz / TX switch momentarily to cancel Up/Down tuning; the imbedded LED will turn off.

VFO-B Mode Selection

When the B.MODE/CLEAR switch (# ) is pressed, the imbedded LED will light up, and this knob may now be used for selection of the operating mode for VFO-B operation. Pressing the B.MODE/ CLEAR switch once more will cancel mode selection, and the imbedded LED will turn off.

Note

Mode selection may also be accomplished by pressing the A/B switch (# ), then pressing the appropriate MODE switch (# ) to the left of the Main Tuning Dial (# ).

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

FAST/RX Switch

FAST Switch

When the A/B switch (# , described later) is pushed, and the Orange lamp to the right of the

CLAR/VFO-B knob lights up, the CLAR/VFOB knob (# above) will be controlling the VFO-B frequency; pressing the FAST/RX switch will increase the tuning rate by a factor of 10.

RX Switch

When the CLAR switch (# , described previously) is pressed (and its imbedded LED is illuminated), pressing the FAST/RX switch applies the programmed Clarifier offset to the VFO-A receive frequency. Press the FAST/RX switch once more to return the VFO-A to the frequency shown on the main frequency display field; the Clarifier offset will still be present, though, in case you want to use it again. To cancel the Clarifier offset, press the B.MODE/ CLEAR switch (# , described later).

BAND/MHz / TX Switch

BAND/MHz

When the A/B switch (# , described later) is pressed, and the Orange lamp to the right of the

CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described previously) lights up, pressing the BAND/MHz switch allows you to rotate this knob for selection of the Amateur band to be used for the VFO-B.

TX Switch

When the CLAR switch (# , described previously) is pressed (and its imbedded LED is illuminated), pressing the BAND/MHz / TX switch applies the programmed Clarifier offset to the VFO-A transmit frequency. Press the FAST/RX switch ( , above) once more to return the transmitter to the VFO-A frequency shown on the main frequency display field; the Clarifier offset will still be present, though, in case you want to use it again. To cancel the Clarifier offset, press the B.MODE/CLEAR switch (# , described later).

B.MODE/CLEAR Switch

B.MODE Switch

When the A/B switch (# below) is pressed, and the Orange lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described previously) lights up, pressing the B.MODE/CLEAR switch allows you to rotate this knob for selection of the operating mode to be used on the VFO-B.

CLEAR Switch

When the CLAR switch (# , described previously) is pressed (and its imbedded LED is illuminated), pressing the B.MODE/CLEAR switch clears out any frequency offset you have programmed into the Clarifier register (thereby setting the offset to “Zero”).

A/B Switch

The A/B switch controls the determines whether the actions of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# , described previously) will be applied to the VFO-A (“CLAR” option), or the VFO-B (“VFO-B option”). Pressing this switch once causes the Orange lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob to light up; in this case, rotation of the CLAR/VFO-B knob affects operation on the VFO-B band (tuning, etc.). Pressing the A/B switch once more causes the Orange lamp to turn off; in this instance, rotation of the

CLAR/VFO-B knob affects operations associated

with the VFO-B (Clarifier function, etc.).

Page 33FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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REAR PANEL

ANT

Connect your main antenna(s) here, using a type-M (PL-259) plug and coaxial feedline for each. These antenna ports are always used for transmission, and also are used for reception unless a separate receive antenna is also used for the VFO-A. The internal antenna tuner affects only the antenna(s) connected here, and only during transmission. These connectors utilize TeflonR insulation for extreme durability and to ensure stable impedance over the entire frequency range.

RX OUT

These BNC jacks provide output of the receiver signal lines from the Antenna jacks which are connected to the VFO-A and VFO-B front ends.

NTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-A

ANTENN A SWITCH

(

)

VFO-B

TX/RX RELAY

RX ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-A

RX ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-B

VFO-A/-B SWITCH

Transmitter

Section

Receiver

Section

ANT “1”

ANT “2”

ANT “3”

ANT “4”

RX OUT

BPF

RX ANT

RX OUT

RX ANT

This type-M jack is for a separate receive-only antenna. An antenna connected here can be used, by both the VFO-A and VFO-B, when the RX ANT button (# ) on the front panel is pressed. If you want to use some special kind of external bandpass filter or preamplifier, you may connect it between the RX OUT and RX ANT jacks, as shown in the illustration.

Main Power Switch

This is main power On (I)/Off (O) switch of the FT DX 9000 Contest. Always turn this switch on before turning on the front panel’s POWER button. If this switch is not turned On, the front panel Power switch will not function. Turning this Main Power switch On supplies voltage to the OCXO (Crystal Oven), ensuring that frequency stability is always maintained even when the transceiver is turned off via the front panel’s POWER switch (# ).

AC IN

Connect the supplied 3-wire AC line cord to this socket. AC voltages of 100-240 V may be accommodated by the FT DX 9000 Contest without any sort of modification (universal voltage input).

CIRCUIT BREAKER Switch

This circuit breaker shuts off in the event of dangerously high current consumption by the transceiver.

Advice

If the Circuit Breaker interrupts power, by all means try to determine the cause of the over-current condition before re-applying power. To restore the Circuit Breaker after verifying that all is normal, push this switch in until you hear a “click.”

MIC

This 8-pin jack accepts input from a microphone utilizing a traditional YAESU HF-transceiver pinout.

REMOTE

By plugging in the supplied FH-2 Remote Control Keypad to this gold-plated jack, direct access to the FT DX 9000 Contest CPU is provided for control functions such as contest memory keying, plus frequency and function control.

Page 34 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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REAR PANEL

+13.8V

This gold-plated output jack provides regulated, separately fused 13.8 VDC at up to 200 mA, to power an external device such as a packet TNC. Make sure your device does not require more current (if it does, use a separate power source).

PTT

This gold-plated input jack may be used to provide manual transmitter activation using a footswitch or other switching device. Its function is identical to the MOX button on the front panel. The same line is available at the PACKET and RTTY jacks for TNC control. Open-circuit voltage is +13.5 VDC, and closedcircuit current is 5 mA.

PATCH

This gold-plated RCA input jack accepts transmitter audio - either AFSK or voice - for transmission. This line is mixed with the microphone audio input line, so the microphone should be disconnected if using this jack and mixing is not desired. The optimum impedance is 500 ~ 600 Ohms, and the nominal input level should be 1 mV.

EXT SPKR

The EXT SPKR two-contact output jacks are gold plated, providing audio from the VFO-A and VFO-B for an external loudspeaker or speakers, such as the SP-8. Inserting a plug into one of these jacks disables the corresponding internal loudspeaker. Impedance is 4 ~ 8 Ohms.

TRV

This gold-plated RCA jack provides a low level RF output for use with a transverter. Maximum output is approximately –20 dBm (0.01 mW) at 50 Ohms.

ACC

This is an accessory jack which is used at the factory for adjustment of the radio. Please do not connect any cable or accessory to this terminal.

TXGND

This jack’s center pin is closed to ground while the transceiver’s transmitter is engaged. It may be used for control of a peripheral device, most typically a linear amplifier. To enable this jack, please set Menu item “TX GNRL 156 EXT AMP TX-GND” to the “ENABLE” selection. This RCA connector is goldplated, and the specifications are shown below.

BAND DATA

BAND DATA1

This 7-pin output jack used for control of the VL-1000 Solid-state Linear Amplifier.

BAND DATA2

This 8-pin output jack provides band selection data which may be used for control of optional accessories such as the VL-1000 Solid-state Linear Amplifier.

EXT ALC

This gold-plated RCA input jack accepts negative-going external ALC (Automatic Level Control) voltage from a linear amplifier, transceiver. Acceptable input voltage range is 0 to -4 VDC.

to prevent over-excitation by the

AF OUT

This gold-plated 3-contact jack provides dual-channel low-level receiver output, for recording or external amplification. Peak signal level is 3 Vrms at 10 kOhms. VFO-A audio is on the left channel (tip), and VFO-B audio is on the right channel (ring). A stereo amplifier or recorder is recommended, to record each receiver’s audio separately when dual reception is enabled (audio from either receiver, or both, may be used via this jack). The front panel AF GAIN knobs do not affect the signals at this jack.

RTTY

This 4-pin input/output jack provides connections for an RTTY terminal unit. Pinout is shown on page 107. The receiver audio level at this jack is at a constant 100-mV (@600 Ohms) level. FSK keying at this jack is accomplished by a closure of the SHIFT line to ground by the terminal unit.

PACKET

This 5-pin input/output jack provides receiver audio and squelch signals, and accepts transmit (AFSK) audio and PTT control, from an external Packet TNC. Pinout is shown on page 106. The receiver audio level at this jack is approximately 100 mV (@600 Ohms).

ROTATOR

This 5-pin MINI-DIN Jack accepts a cable connected to a YAESU G-800DXA/-1000DXA/-2800DXA Antenna Rotator. You may control the antenna azimuth rotation (and rotation speed) using the the front panel. (Listed models are current as of early 2005).

Function buttons on

KEY

This 1/4-inch gold-plated phone jack accepts a CW key or keyer paddle. A 2-contact plug cannot be used in this jack. Key-up voltage is +5 V, and key-down current is 1 mA. Plug wiring is shown on page 16, and this jack may be configured for keyer, “Bug,” “straight key,” or computer keying interface operation via Menu Selection “MODE-CW 043 R-KEYER TYPE” (see page 120).

CAT

This 9-pin serial DB-9 jack allows external computer control of the FT DX 9000 Contest. Connect a serial cable here and to the RS-232C COM port on your personal computer (no external interface is required).

GND

Use this terminal to connect the transceiver to a good earth ground, for safety and optimum performance. Use a large diameter, short braided cable for making ground connections, and please refer to page 13 for other notes about proper grounding.

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FREQUENCY DISPLAY

VFO-A TX/RX Indicators

These combination lamp-buttons select and indicate the transmit/receive status of the VFO-A. When the green “RX” lamp is lit, the receiving frequency is under control of the Main Tuning Dial (# ) and display (either VFO-A or a recalled memory channel). When the red “TX” lamp is lit, the transmitting frequency is under control of the main knob and display. Thus, for “normal” (non-split) operation, both the red and green lamps associated with the Main Tuning Dial will be illuminated.

VFO-A Frequency Display

This is the VFO-A frequency display.

Advice

The Tone Encoder/Decoder frequency is indicated during the setup process.

VFO-B TX/RX Indicators

These combination lamp-buttons select and indicate the transmit/receive status of the VFO-B.

VFO-B Frequency Display

This is the VFO-B frequency display.

Advice

The Tone Encoder/Decoder frequency is indicated during the setup process.

Multi-Panel

This field within the frequency display area provides several indications, depending on the frequency control mode in use:

CLAR (Clarifier)

This window displays the Clarifier frequency offset from the VFO-A frequency. The Clarifier is engaged when the CLAR LED is illuminated.

MR (Memory Recall)

When the MCH/GRP switch is pushed, the currently-selected Memory channel or Memory Group number will be displayed in this window.

MT (Memory Tune)

If you rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) (or change the mode) during memory operation, the transceiver will change into the “Memory tune” mode to indicate that the memory contents have been temporarily changed; “ ” lights up to confirm this change.

Repeater Shift Data

During FM operation, the Repeater Shift will be indicated in this window. A Negative frequency shift will be indicated by “–” while a Positive frequency shift will be indicated by “+” in the window. During Simplex operation (no shift), “S” will be displayed.

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FH-2 OPERATION

The supplied Remote Control Keypad “FH-2” can be used to control the voice memory capability for the SSB/AM/FM modes, and the contest memory keyer for the CW mode. You can also play back up to 30 seconds of incoming received audio, as well, for verification of a missed callsign or other purposes. Among the specific capabilities of the FH-2 are:

 Five channels of storage and playback of voice memory (20 seconds each), using your own voice for recording (see

page 78).

 Playback of the last 30 seconds of incoming receiver audio (see page 44).  On CW, the FH-2 provides storage and recall of CW messages for repetitive CQ and contest number transmissions.

LOCK

OFFON

Voice Memory/CW Message Memory

Selection Keys (5 Channels)

In the case of Voice Memory, up to 20 seconds of audio may be stored on each channel. For CW messages and CW Text messages, up to 50 characters (“PARIS” specification) may be stored into each channel.

Text Memory Programming Keys

These keys are used for navigation when selecting text characters for the programming of Contest and Text memories.

Playback Key

This key replicates the action of the P.BACK (“Playback”) switch on the front panel of the transceiver, and is used for playing back the last 30 seconds of recorded receiver audio.

LOCK Switch

This switch may be used to lock out the FH-2’s keys, to prevent accidental activation of FH-2 operation.

MEM Key

This key is pressed for the purpose of storing either a Voice Memory or a Contest Keyer Memory channel’s contents.

DEC Key

When utilizing the sequential contest number capability of the Contest Keyer, press this key to decrement (back up) the current Contest Number by one digit (i.e. to back up from #198 to #197, etc.).

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ASIC

Before turning on main power, please verify the following items once more.

 Have you made all ground connections securely? See page 13 for details.  Do you have your antenna(s) connected to the rear-panel Antenna jack(s)? See page 14 for details.  Is your microphone (and/or key or paddle) connected? See pages 15 and 16 for details.  If using a linear amplifier, have all interconnections been successfully completed? See page 17 for details.  Please rotate both

the transceiver turns on. See pages 30 and 39 for details.

 Rotate the RF PWR control fully counter-clockwise, to set minimum power at first. See pages 26 and 70 for details.  Before attempting voice transmissions, you must be certain that the microphone you intend to use is plugged into an

“Active” microphone jack. On the front panel is a 3-pin “Cannon” (XLR) connector, and on the rear panel you’ll find a “traditional” 8-pin round connector. At the factory, the XLR connector is selected, but you may easily change this using the Menu item “MODE-SSB 069 SSB MIC SELECT;” please confirm that this Menu item is configured appropriately.

Note

If the wrong microphone jack is selected, voice transmission will not be possible.

 If your AC mains power should suffer a significant fluctuation or interruption, we recommend that you go through a

complete power-up cycle, in order to ensure that all circuits are properly initialized. To do this, be sure the front panel Power switch is turned off, then set the rear-panel Power switch to the “O” position. Now unplug the AC cable from the rear panel of the transceiver, and wait ten seconds. The start-up procedure is described on the next page.

PERATION

AF GAIN controls to their fully counter-clockwise positions, to avoid a loud blast of audio when

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RX switch

(VFO-A)

MATEUR

BAND key

VDD TEMP SWRBIAS

ANDS

POWER swtch

1. Plug the AC cable back in, set the rear-panel Power switch to “I.”

2. Press and hold in the front-panel

POWER switch (# ) for two seconds to turn the transceiver on. Transceiver will start up on 7.000.00 MHz LSB, and normal operation may resume.

Note

To turn power off, press and hold in the front panel

POWER switch for two seconds.

Quick Note

It will take around 10 seconds until the transceiver is ready for full operation.

3. Rotate the AF GAIN knob (# ) to set a comfortable audio level on incoming signals or noise. Clockwise rotation of the AF GAIN knob increases the volume level.

Note

When using headphones, start by rotating the AF GAIN control counter-clockwise, then bring the volume level up after you put the headphones on. This will minimize the chance of damage to your hearing caused by an unexpectedly-high audio level.

4. Press the RX (# ) switch to engage the VFO-A, the imbedded LED will glow Green.

MODE switch

AF GAIN knob

(VFO-A)

5. Press the A switch (# ) to enable the capability to change the operation for the VFO-A the imbedded LED will glow Red.

6. Press the BAND key (# ) corresponding to the Amateur band on which you wish to begin operation.

Advice

 One-touch selection of each Amateur band be-

tween 1.8 and 50 MHz is provided.

 If you press the BAND/

MHz key (# ) momentarily, the CLAR/ VFO-B knob (# ) may be used as a band selection knob. If the

pressed and held in for two seconds, rotation of the BAND/MHz (# ) key allows frequency navigation in 1 MHz steps.

 When the BAND/MHz key’s imbedded LED

is illuminated, the CLAR/VFO-B knob controls the functions associated with the BAND/MHz key.

Advice

 Depending on the setting of the A/B switch

(# ), the function of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) will change. Please see page 32 for more details.

 The FT DX 9000 Contest utilizes a triple band-

stack VFO selection technique, that permits you to store up to three favorite frequencies and modes onto each band’s VFO register. For example, you may store one frequency each on 14 MHz CW, RTTY, and USB, then recall these VFOs by successive, momentary presses of the 14 MHz band key (# ). Each Amateur band key may similarly have up to three frequency/mode settings applied.

CLAR/VFO-B knob

BAND/MHz switch

CLAR/VFO-B knob is

A/B swtch

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ANTENNA SELECT switch

SQL knob

MODE switch

7. Press one of the ANTENNA SELECT (1~4) switches (# ) to select the appropriate antenna for the band in use; alternatively, if one is connected, you may also press the RX antenna selection switch (# ). Up to four TX/RX antennas may be connected, or one RX-only antenna.

Advice

Once you have made your antenna selection, that antenna is “remembered” by the microprocessor in conjunction with the VFO register (frequency and mode) in use when you chose that particular antenna.

8. Press the appropriate MODE key (# ) to select the desired operating mode.

Advice

 By convention in the Amateur bands, LSB is used

on the 7 MHz and lower bands (with the exception of 60 meters), while USB is utilized on the 14 MHz and higher bands.

 When changing modes from SSB to CW, you will

observe a frequency shift on the display. This shift represents the BFO offset between the “zero beat” frequency and the audible CW pitch (tone) you can hear (the pitch is programmed by the

PITCH control (# )), even though the actual tone that you hear is not changing. If you do not want this frequency shift to appear when changing modes from (for example) USB to CW, use the Menu item “MODE-CW 050 CW FREQ DISPLAY,” described on page 121.

 When operating on the FM mode, rotate the

SQL (Squelch) control (# ) clockwise just to the point where the background noise is just silenced. This is the point of maximum sensitivity to weak signals.

Main tuning dial

FAST switch

VDD TEMP SWRBIAS

CLAR/VFO-B knob

9. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to tune around the band, and begin normal operation.

Quick Note

 Clockwise rotation of the

Main Tuning Dial knob increases the operating frequency, one “step” of the synthesizer at a time; similarly, counter-clockwise rotation of the Main Tuning Dial knob will decrease the frequency. Two steps, one “normal” and one “fast,” are available on each operating mode. Pressing the

FAST key (# ) engages the “Fast” tuning se-

lection.

Operating Mode 1 Step 1 Dial Rotation LSB, USB, CW, RTTY, 10 Hz [100 Hz] 10 kHz [100 kHz] PKT(LSB) AM, FM, PKT(FM) 100 Hz [1 kHz] 100 kHz [1 MHz]

[ ]: FAST switch set to “ON”

 It is possible to separate the frequency change over

one dial rotation, while operating solely on the CW mode, using the Menu items “TUNING 129

MAIN DIAL STEP,” and “TUNING 130 MAIN DIAL CW FINE.” See page 129.

 If you want to navigate quickly, so as to effect

rapid frequency change, there are several techniques available: o Direct keyboard frequency entry of the fre-

quency (see page 48).

o Use the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to tune

in 1 MHz steps (see page 48).

o Use the microphone’s Up/Down scanning keys,

if your microphone is so equipped.

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OPERATION ON 60-METER (5 MHZ) BAND (U.S. VERSION ONLY

The FT DX 9000 Contest includes the capability for transmission and reception on the five spot frequencies assigned to the Amateur Service in the United States. To operate on the 5 MHz band:

1. Press the V/M key (# ) once to enter the “Memory” mode (a memory channel number “USX” will appear on the Multi-Panel in the display.

2. Memory channels “US1” through “US5” are pre-programmed, at the factory, with the permitted frequencies in the 5 MHz band, and the USB mode is automatically selected on these channels.

3. To exit from 60-meter operation and return to the VFO mode, just press the V/M key.

Note

The frequencies and operating mode for 5 MHz band operation are both fixed, and may not be changed.

V/M key

)

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PERATION

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CLAR (CLARIFIER) OPERATION ON MAIN (VFO-A

The CLAR button and CLAR/VFO-B knob are used to offset either the receive, transmit, or both frequencies from their settings on the VFO-A frequency (the Clarifier does not affect the , however). The four small numbers on the Multi Display Window show the current Clarifier offset. The Clarifier controls on the FT DX 9000 Contest are designed to allow you to preset an offset (up to ± 9.999 kHz) without actually retuning, and then to activate it via the Clarifier’s RX (FAST RX) and TX (BAND/MHz TX) buttons. This feature is ideal for following a drifting station, or for setting small frequency offsets sometimes utilized in DX “Split” work.

Here is the technique for utilizing the Clarifier:

1. Press the CLAR switch (# ). The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red, and “CLAR” will appear on the display to signify that rotation of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) will allow setting of a frequency offset.

2. Press the FAST/RX switch (# ). On the display, “RX” will appear, and the programmed offset will be applied to the receive frequency.

3. Rotation of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) will allow you to modify your initial offset on the fly. Offsets of up to ± 9.99 kHz may be set using the Clarifier.

To cancel the application of the offset to the receiver frequency temporarily, press the FAST/RX switch (# ). The “CLAR RX” notation will disappear from the display.

)

RX key

CLAR/VFO-B knob

CLAR key

CLEAR key

To cancel Clarifier operation, press the CLAR switch.

Advice

Turning the Clarifier Off simply cancels the application of the programmed offset from the receive and/or transmit frequencies. To clear out the programmed Clarifier offset altogether, and reset it to “zero,” press the CLAR switch. The programmed offset is displayed in the small multichannel window of the frequency display.

Note

If the Clarifier seems not to be operating, check to see if the Orange lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob is illuminated. If so, pressing the A/B (# ) switch will cause the Orange lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFOB knob to go out. Now press the CLAR switch to begin Clarifier operation.

The LED Bar Display provides a graphical representation of the Clarifier offset.

On CW, the Bar Display field is used for CW Center Tuning, instead of Clarifier Offset, as the transceiver is configured at the factory. If you wish to change this, so that the Clarifier Offset is also displayed on CW, use the following procedure:

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select Menu item “DISPLAY 016 BAR DISPLAY SE- LECT.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to select “CLAR” (replacing the default “CW-TUNE” selection).

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

Without changing the receive frequency, you may alternatively apply the Clarifier offset to the transmit frequency (typically, for “split” DX pile-ups). See page 81 for details.

(TX frequency < RX frequency)

(TX frequency = RX frequency)

(TX frequency > RX frequency)

TXCLAR

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LOCK

You may lock the setting of the Main Tuning Dial, to prevent accidental frequency change.

To lock out the Main Tuning Dial (# ), just press the

LOCK switch (# ) that is located to the right of the Dial. To unlock the Dial setting, and restore normal tuning, just press the LOCK switch once more.

LOCK switch

DIM

The illumination level of the analog meters, main frequency display, and the LCD display may be reduced, if you are using the transceiver in a dark environment where high brightness is not desired.

To reduce the illumination level, press the DIM switch (# ), located to the left of the leftmost analog meter. To restore full brightness, press the DIM switch once more.

You may also customize the amount of brightness reduction engaged by the pressing of the DIM switch, and may use different brightness levels for different front panel areas. Menu item “DISPLAY 014 DIMMER-METER” adjusts the brightness level of the analog meters and LCD display, while menu item “DISPLAY 015 DIMMER-VFD” sets the brightness levels of the main frequency display (these settings are effective only when the DIM switch is pressed).

LCD Display Brightness Adjustment

By following the procedure below, you may adjust the brightness level of the LCD window.

1. Press the front panel’s POWER switch (# ) for two seconds to switch the main transceiver power off.

2. Press and hold in the SWR key (# ) while turning on the transceiver main power (press and hold in the POWER switch for two seconds). Once power comes on, release the

SWR key; the LCD window will now be

configured for setting of the brightness level.

DIM switch

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set the brightness

level. You can observe the brightness level changing on the LCD window.

4. When you have finished your adjustment, press the SWR switch momentarily to save the new setting.

B-DISP OFF

During monoband operation, you may wish to disable (temporarily) the display of the Sub (VFO-B) band frequency.

To do this, press the B-DISP OFF switch (# ), found at the lower left side of the CLAR/VFO-B knob.

Press the B-DISP OFF switch once more to restore the Sub (VFO-B) band frequency display.

B-DISP OFF switch

Page 43FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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CONVENIENT FEATURES

P.BACK (AUDIO PLAYBACK) FROM VFO-A RECEIVER

Once engaged by the operator, the FT DX 9000 Contest begins the automatic recording of the last 30 seconds of incoming receiver audio on the VFO-A. This capability is especially useful for confirming a callsign that may have been difficult to copy due to noise or QRM, etc.

Recording

Press and hold in the P.BACK key (# ) for two seconds to initiate recording; an LED imbedded in the switch will light up to confirm that recording is in progress. The recorder will store up to 15 seconds of the VFO-A received audio, and will retain the most-recent 15 seconds of audio on a running basis.

Pressing the P.BACK switch once more will halt the recording, and the LED imbedded in the switch will go out.

P.BACK switch

Note

When the transceiver is turned off, the contents of the recording memory are erased!

Playback

Press the P.BACK key (# ) momentarily, after recording has been halted, to begin playback of the recorded audio. The last 15 seconds of audio will be heard in the speaker or headphones. If you do not intervene, the entire 30 seconds will be played back, after which the playback will stop automatically. To halt playback at any time, just press the P.BACK key momentarily again. The next time you press the P.BACK key, it will pick up the playback where you left off.

The P/B key of the supplied FH-2 Keypad can also serve as a remote-control recording/playback switch. Operation is described below.

Recording

Press and hold in the FH-2’s P/B key for two seconds to initiate recording. The front panel P.BACK switch’s (# ) LED will light up to confirm that recording is in progress. Press the FH-2’s P/B key momentarily to halt recording; the front panel’s LED will go out. You may also press the front panel’s P.BACK key (momentarily) to halt recording, as well. When the transceiver is turned off, the contents of the recording memory are erased.

Stop

Start

15 Seconds

LOCK

OFFON

Playback

Press the FH-2’s P/B key momentarily, after recording has been halted, to begin playback of the recorded audio. The last 15 seconds of audio will be heard in the speaker or headphones. If you do not intervene, the entire 15 seconds will be played back, after which the playback will stop automatically. To halt playback at any time, just press the P/B key momentarily again. The next time you press the P.BACK key, it will pick up the playback where you left off. You may also press the front panel’s P.BACK key (momentarily) to play back the recorded audio, as well.

Page 44 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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CONVENIENT FEATURES

“MY BANDS” OPERATION

When operating on an Amateur Band on the VFO-A register, it is possible to use the BAND/MHz switch to engage the use of the CLAR/VFO-B knob for Amateur band selection. The “My Bands” feature allows you to select several Amateur bands, and make only those bands available for selection via the CLAR/VFO-B knob. This feature can be very useful in a contest, where the 10/18/24 MHz band are not used, or if you do not have antennas for some bands.

“My Bands” Setup

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to engage the Menu mode; the Menu list will appear on the LCD.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select Menu item “TUNING 135 MY BAND.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to choose a band that you wish to skip (omit) from the band-selection loop (when using the CLAR/VFO-B knob for band selection). The available choices are 1.8/3.5/ 7/10/14/18/21/24/28/50/GEN/TRV, and the factorydefault selection is TRV (only).

4. Press the ENT key (# ) to set the omission command to ON.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select/deselect as many bands as you like.

Note

The “ON” command sets the selected band to be skipped, while the “OFF” command sets the selected band to be included in the band-selection list.

6. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to lock in the new configuration and exit to normal operation.

LCD Display

Main tuning dial

ENT key

MNU key

CLAR/VFO-B knob

“My Bands” Operation

1. Press the BAND/MHz switch (# ); the imbedded LED will glow Red.

2. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to choose the Amateur band on which you wish to operate. Only those Amateur bands that have not been skipped will appear as you scroll through the bands.

1.8MHz

MHz

3.5

MHz

TRV

GEN

3.5

MHz



3.5MHz

7MHz

14MHz

BAND/MHz knob

CLAR/VFO-B knob

21MHz

28MHz

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CONVENIENT FEATURES

BAND STACK OPERATION

The FT DX 9000 Contest utilizes a triple band-stack VFO selection technique, that permits you to store up to three favorite frequencies and modes onto each band's VFO register. For example, you may store one frequency each on 14 MHz CW, RTTY, and USB, then recall these VFOs by successive, momentary presses of the 14 MHz band key. Each Amateur band key may similarly have up to three frequency/mode settings applied. Both the VFO-A and VFO-B systems have their own, independent, band stacks.

A typical setup, for the 14 MHz band, might be arranged like this:

1. Program 14.0250 MHz, CW Mode, then press the 14 MHz BAND key (# );

2. Program 14.080 MHz, RTTY Mode, then press the 14 MHz BAND key;

3. Program 14.195 MHz, SSB Mode, then press the [14]

MHz BAND key.

With this configuration, successive momentary presses of the 14 MHz BAND key will allow you to toggle sequentially through these three VFOs.

C.S (CUSTOM SWITCH

Band Stack1

BAND

Key

Frequency (MHz) MODE

1.800000 CW

1.8

3.500000 LSB

3.5

5.000000 USB

7.000000 LSB

10.100000 CW

14.100000 USB

18.068000 USB

21.000000 USB

24.890000 USB

28.000000 USB

50.000000 USB

15.000000 USB

GEN

)

An often-used Menu mode selection may be brought out to the front panel’s C.S key

C.S Setup

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to engage the Menu

mode; the Menu list will appear on the LCD.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select

the Menu item you want to be able to access via the

C.S key (# ).

3. Press and hold in the C.S key for two seconds to

lock in your selection.

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to

save the new configuration and exit to normal operation.

Band Stack2 Frequency (MHz) MODE

1.800000 CW

3.500000 LSB

5.000000 USB

7.000000 LSB

10.100000 CW

14.100000 USB

18.068000 USB

21.000000 USB

24.890000 USB

28.000000 USB

50.000000 USB

15.000000 USB

C.S key

Main tuning dial

Band Stack3 Frequency (MHz) MODE

LCD Display

[BAND] key

1.800000 CW

3.500000 LSB

5.000000 USB

7.000000 LSB

10.100000 CW

14.100000 USB

18.068000 USB

21.000000 USB

24.890000 USB

28.000000 USB

50.000000 USB

15.000000 USB

MNU key

Menu Selection Recall via [C.S] key

Press the C.S key.

On the LCD, the programmed Menu item will appear. You may now rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to change the setting of this menu item. Press the MNU key for two seconds, when you are done, to save the new configuration and exit to normal operation.

C.S key

CLAR/VFO-B knob

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CONVENIENT FEATURES

ROTATOR CONTROL FUNCTIONS

When using a YAESU model G-800DXA, G-1000DXA, or G-2800DXA rotator (not supplied), it is possible to control it from the front panel of the FT DX 9000 Contest.

1. Press and hold in the ENT key (one of the BAND keys (# )) for two seconds. The frequency display area will change over to the “Rotator Control” configuration.

2. Press either the 2/3.5 key or the 3/5 key to rotate the antenna. Pressing the 2/3.5 key will cause rotation to the left (counter-clockwise), while pressing the

3/5 ] key will cause rotation to the right (clockwise).

3. Press the 5/10 key or the 6/14 key to control the speed of rotation. Pressing the 5/10 key will cause slower rotation, while pressing the 6/14 key will speed up rotation. Usually, you will be using the “100%” setting.

When you are through exercising rotator control, press the

BAND key momentarily. The frequency display will re-

turn to the main display field.

Counterclockwise

Clockwise Speed-up

Speed-dwn

Frequency Display

[BAND] key

Speed (0 ~ 100 %)

Direction (0° ~ 360°) “Overlap” indicator

Page 47FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 50

CONVENIENT FEATURES

MORE FREQUENCY NAVIGATION TECHNIQUES

Keyboard Frequency Entry

You may enter operating frequencies, for either the VFOA or VFO-B, using the front panel band/frequency selection keys.

Example 1: Enter 14.250.00 MHz into the VFO-A:

1. Press the A key (# ).

2. Press the ENT key (# ) to engage the direct frequency entry process. Now, beginning with the “10 MHz” digit of the frequency (the leftmost digit), we will enter the required digits of the frequency.

3. Press, in order, the digits of the operating frequency, using the BAND keys (# : which have the frequency-entry digit or decimal point on the right side of the slash bar). In this example, enter

1/1.8  4/7  ./50  2/3.5  5/10

0/28  0/28  0/28  0/28

The decimal point after the “MHz” portion of the frequency must be entered, but no decimal point is required after the “kHz” portion.

4. Press the ENT key once more. A short “beep” will confirm that the frequency entry was successful, and the new operating frequency will appear on the VFOA frequency display fields.

Example 2: Enter 7.100.000 MHz into the VFO-B:

1. Press the B key (# ).

3. Press, in order, the digits of the operating frequency, using the BAND keys (# : which have the frequency-entry digit or decimal point on the right side of the slash bar). In this example, enter

7/18  ./50  1/1.8  0/28

0/28  0/28  0/28  0/28

4. Press the ENT key once more. A short “beep” will confirm that the frequency entry was successful, and the new operating frequency will appear on the VFOA frequency display fields.

Advice

 In the above examples, you will notice that the trail-

ing “zero” digits of the frequency were not entered. It is not necessary to enter these trailing zeroes; just press the ENT to terminate frequency entry, and they will be entered automatically.

 If you attempt to enter a frequency outside the operat-

ing range of 30 kHz ~ 60 MHz, the microprocessor will ignore the attempt, and you will be returned to your previous operating frequency. If this happens, please try again, taking care not to repeat the error in the frequency entry process.

 Using the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ), you may

change the VFO-A frequency in 1 MHz steps. If you first press and hold in the key (# ) for two seconds, the 1 MHz steps will be applied to the VFO-B instead. The imbedded LED in the BAND/MHz key will glow Red in the latter case. When tuning in 1 MHz steps, clockwise rotation of the

CLAR/VFO-B know will increase the frequency, while

counter-clockwise rotation will decrease the frequency.

 Using the UP/DOWN switches of the optional

MD-200A8X Base Station Microphone

The UP/DOWN switches on the optional MD-200A8X Base Station Microphone may also be used for manually scanning upward or downward in frequency, respectively.

The microphone’s UP/DOWN switches utilize the tuning steps of the Main Tuning Dial knob(# ); moreover, when the microphone’s [FAST] key is pressed, the tuning rate increases by a factor of ten, in a manner similar to the effect of the transceiver’s front-panel FAST key (# ).

MODE UP DWN FST+UP FST+DWN LSB, USB, CW, RTTY, PKT(LSB) AM, FM, PKT(FM)

Advice

In the Am and FM modes, you may independently set the tuning steps when using the UP/DOWN switches. To set new tuning steps, use Menu items “TUNING 132 AM CH STEP” and “TUNING 133 FM CH STEP.”

BAND/MHz

DOWN switche

UP switche

+10 Hz -10 Hz +100 Hz -100 Hz

+5 kHz -5 kHz +50 kHz -50 kHz

Page 48 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 51

CONVENIENT FEATURES

ANTENNA SELECTION

Four main antenna jacks, available for both transmission and reception, are provided on the rear panel of the transceiver. What’s more, a receive-only jack is provided, and the incoming signal path may also have a special after-market filter or preamplifier inserted, if desired, with one-touch access.

Selection of the desired TX/RX antenna is accomplished by pressing the appropriate 1 ~ 4 Antenna Selection switch (# ) on the front panel.

To engage the RX-only antenna, press the RX switch within the Antenna Selection switch group (# ) on the front panel. The RX-only antenna must be connected to the corresponding “RX ANT” antenna jack on the rear panel.

The antenna currently selected for use on the VFO-A will be designated by a Red LED.

The antenna currently selected for use on the VFO-B will be designated by an Orange LED.

If both VFOs are utilizing the same antenna, both the Red and Orange LEDs will light up on the same antenna location.

ANTENNA SELECT switch

BPF

ANT “1”

ANT “2”

ANT “3”

ANT “4”

RX OUT

)

RX ANT

RX OUT

)

ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-A

ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-B

TX/RX RELAY

RX ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-A

RX ANTENNA SWITCH

(

)

VFO-B

VFO-A/-B SWITCH

Transmitter

Section

Receiver

Section

Page 49FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 52

CONVENIENT FEATURES

RECEIVER OPERATION (FRONT END BLOCK DIAGRAM

)

The FT DX 9000 Contest includes a wide range of special features to suppress the many types of interference that may be encountered on the HF bands. However, real world interference conditions are constantly changing, so optimum setting of the controls is somewhat of an art, requiring familiarity with the types of interference and the subtle effects of some of the controls. Therefore, the following information is provided as a general guideline for typical situations, and a starting point for your own experimentation.

We provide the RF -TUNING Unit (Narrow-bandwidth High-Q RF Filter) for the customized option..

VRF (See page 54)

On the HF/50 MHz Amateur bands, Yaesu’s powerful VRF (Variable RF Filter) preselector circuit provides excellent suppression of out-ofband interference, with a passband much narrower than that provided by traditional fixed bandpass filters.

R. FLT (IF Roofing Filters) (See page 55)

Three automatically-selected Roofing filters, in bandwidths of 15 kHz, 6 kHz, and 3 kHz, are provided in the 40 MHz First IF, right after the first mixer. These filters provide narrow-band selectivity to protect the following IF and DSP stages, and the filters’ automatically-selected bandwidths may be manually changed by the operator, if desired, for special operating circumstances.

CONTOUR Filter (See page 56)

The Contour filter is a unique capability of the FT DX 9000 Contest, providing either nulling or peaking of tunable segments of the receiver passband, so as to suppress interference or excessive frequency components on an incoming signal, or to peak those tunable frequency segments. The amount of nulling/peaking, and the bandwidth over which it is applied, are adjustable via the Menu.

IF SHIFT (See page 57)

The passband center frequency response of the IF DSP filtering may be

adjusted using this control.

NR (Digital Noise Reduction) (See page 60)

The DSP’s Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) feature utilizes sixteen different mathematical algorithms to analyze and suppress different noise profiles encountered on the HF/50 MHz bands. Choose the selection that provides the best noise suppression, which concurrently will allow the signal to rise up out of the noise.

D.NOTCH (Digital Notch filter) (See page 62)

When multiple interfering carriers are encountered during reception, the Digital Notch Filter can significantly reduce the level of these signals.

AGC (See page 63)

The AGC system is highly adaptable to changing signal and fading characteristics, making reception possible under the most difficult conditions.

SLOPED AGC (See page 64)

The Sloped AGC system, instead of clamping a fixed upper bound on audio output across a wide range of input signals, actually allows the audio output to rise, very gently, with ever-increasing signal strength. This capability allows you to separate signals, using your brain, according to signal strength in addition to slight frequency differences.

IF Filter Quality Adjustment (See page 124)

The “Q” (quality factor) of the IF DSP filters may be adjusted independently for the IF DSP filters, using the Menu.

IF WIDTH (See page 58)

The width of the IF DSP filtering may be carried using this control.

IF NOTCH (See page 59)

The IF Notch filter is a high-Q notch filter that can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, an interfering carrier. The Q (sharpness) of the filter may be adjusted using the Menu.

OPTION

µ-TUNE

VRF

ANTENNA SELECTOR

VRF

OPTION

BPF

IPO “OFF”

RF AMP

IPO “OFF”

RF AMP

Main Band (VFO-A

ROOFING

3k/6k/15 k

1st Local

Sub Band (VFO-B

ROOFING

3k/6k/15 k

1st Local

Variable IF Filter Shape Factor (See page 124)

You may adjust the shape factor of the IF DSP filters, using the Menu.

)

3rd IF (DSP

30 kHz

DSP

UNIT

3rd IF (DSP

30 kHz

DSP

UNIT

)

FILTER

1st IF

40.455 MHz

1st IF

40.450 MHz

1st

IF AMP

)

1st

IF AMP

2nd Local

2nd IF

455 kHz

2nd IF

450 kHz

2nd

IF AMP

2nd

IF AMP

3rd Local

Page 50 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 53

CONVENIENT FEATURES

IPO (INTERCEPT POINT OPTIMIZATION

Normally, the front-end FET RF amplifiers provide maximum sensitivity for weak signals. During typical conditions on lower frequencies (where strong signals and high noise are common), the RF amplifiers can be bypassed by pressing the IPO button so that the button’s illumination is lit. This improves the IMD (intermodulation distortion) rejection characteristics of the receiver, with only a slight reduction of sensitivity. On frequencies below about 10 MHz, you generally will want to keep the IPO button engaged at all times, as the preamplifiers are usually not needed at these frequencies unless you are using a Beverage or other lossy receive antenna.

Quick Note

VFO-A IPO Setup

Press the VFO-A side’s -IPO switch key (# ) to engage the IPO on the VFO-A. A Red LED imbedded in the switch will light up, and the preamplifier for the VFO-A will be bypassed. The system gain and sensitivity will be reduced. To cancel IPO operation and restore full system gain and sensitivity, press the -IPO switch key once more.

VFO-B IPO Setup

Press the VFO-B side’s -IPO switch key (# ) to engage the IPO on the VFO-B. An Orange LED imbedded in the switch will light up, and the preamplifier for the VFO-B will be bypassed. The system gain and sensitivity will be reduced. To cancel IPO operation and restore full system gain and sensitivity, press the -IPO switch key once more.

VFO-A

-IPO switch

VFO-B

-IPO switch

)

Page 51FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 54

CONVENIENT FEATURES

ATT

Even with the IPO function on, extremely strong local signals or high noise can still degrade reception. In such situations, you can use the AT T switch to insert 3, 6, 12, or 18-dB of RF attenuation in front of the RF amplifier.

Rotate the tion level, per the chart below. To restore full signal strength through the Attenuator circuit area, set the

0 dB Attenuator is Off 3 dB The incoming signal power is reduced by 3 dB (signal volt-

6 dB The incoming signal power is reduced by 6 dB (signal volt-

12 dB The incoming signal power is reduced by 12 dB (signal volt-

18 dB The incoming signal power is reduced by 18 dB (signal volt-

Advice

If background noise causes the S-meter to deflect on clear frequencies, turn the AT T knob clockwise until the Smeter drops to about “S-1.” This setting optimizes the trade-offs between sensitivity, noise, and interference immunity. Also, once you have tuned in a station you want to work, you may want to reduce sensitivity further (or add more attenuation) by turning the AT T knob to a more clockwise setting. This reduces the strength of all signals (and noise) and can make reception more comfortable, important especially during long QSOs. When looking for weak signals on a quiet band, you will want maximum sensitivity, so the IPO should be disabled and the AT T knob should be set to “0.” This situation is typical during quiet times on frequencies above 21 MHz, and when using a small or negative-gain receiving antenna on other bands.

AT T switch (# ) to set the desired attenua-

AT T switch to the “0” position.

age reduced by 1/1.4)

age reduced by 1/2)

age reduced by 1/4)

age reduced by 1/8)

ATT switch

Page 52 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 55

CONVENIENT FEATURES

RF GAIN (SSB/CW/AM MODES

The RF Gain controls provide manual adjustment of the gain levels for the receiver RF and IF stages, to account for noise and/or signal strength conditions at the moment.

The RF GAIN control (# ) should, initially, be rotated to the fully clockwise position. This is the point of maximum sensitivity, and counter-clockwise rotation will gradually reduce the system gain. P As the RF GAIN control is rotated counterclock-

wise to reduce the gain, the S-meter reading will rise. This indicates that the AGC voltage being applied to the receiver (to reduce the gain) is increasing.

P Rotating the RF GAIN control to the fully counter-

clockwise position will essentially disable the receiver, as the gain will be greatly reduced. In this case, as well, the S-meter will appear to be “pegged” against the right edge of the analog S-meter scale.

Advice

Reception frequently can be optimized by rotating the RF Gain control slightly counter-clockwise to the point where the incoming noise level is just about the same as the “stationary” meter needle position as set by the adjustment of the RF GAIN control. This setting ensures that excessive gain is not being utilized, without so much gain reduction that incoming signals cannot be heard.

)

RF GAIN Knob

Quick Point

The RF GAIN control, along with the IPO and Attenuator features, all affect the system receiver gain in different ways. As a first step in dealing with high noise or a crowded, high-level signal environment, the IPO generally should be the first feature engaged, if the frequency is low enough to allow the preamplifier to be bypassed. Thereafter, the RF Gain and Attenuator features may be employed to provide precise, delicate adjustment of the receiver gain so as to optimize performance fully.

Page 53FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 56

DVANCED INTERFERENCE

-S

UPPRESSION

EATURES

: RF F

RONT

USING THE VRF (VARIABLE RF FRONT-END FILTER

The VRF system is a high-performance RF front-end preselector that provides outstanding rejection of out-of-band signals.

1. Press the VRF/μ switch (# ) momentarily. The LED inside the switch will become illuminated, and the VRF system will be engaged, centered on your current Amateur band.

2. You may rotate the VRF/μ knob (# ) to skew the position of the VRF system relative to your operating frequency. Because the VRF system is relatively broad, although still much narrower than the fixed bandpass filter), you may not hear much difference in the background noise or signal quality when you make minor adjustments. However, if you have receiving problems associated by a very strong signal, rotation of the

VRF/μ knob may help reduce the strength of the interfering station, allowing improved reception of the desired signal.

 After moving the passband of the VRF system manually, you

may re-center it on the current Amateur band by pressing and

holding in the VRF/μ switch for two seconds.

 To switch VRF off, press the VRF/μ switch momentarily

again. The LED imbedded in the switch will go out, and the

VRF circuit will be removed from the incoming received sig-

nal path.

)

VRF/μ knob

VRF/μ switch

Quick Point

The VRF filter, utilizing high-quality coils and capacitors that provide high Q, yields a passband that is approximately 20% to 30% the width of a traditional, fixed bandpass filter. As a result, significantly more unwanted signal rejection is provided. Within each Amateur band, 64 adjustment steps are provided (50 MHz: 8 steps), if you wish to skew the response in a particular direction so as to enhance interference rejection even more.

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)

ROOFING (ROOFING FILTERS

Narrow-band Roofing Filters of 15 kHz, 6 kHz, and 3 kHz bandwidths are provided in the first IF, right after the first mixer. These filters provide protection for the 2nd mixer, DSP, and other circuitry that follow, and can dramatically improve reception on a very crowded band (during a contest, etc.). Typically, the AUTO selection mode is satisfactory for most operating situations, but in an extremely crowded phone band you may wish to select, for example, the 3 kHz roofing filter for SSB operation.

Press the ROOFING switch (# ) to toggle the Roofing Filter selection.

AUTO  15 kHz  6 kHz  3 kHz  AUTO

 As you repeatedly press this switch, you will observe different LEDs

lighting up in the Roofing Filter area of the front panel, denoting the

Roofing Filter currently in use.

 Typically, this selection will be set to “AUTO.”  The Roofing Filter selection will be memorized independently on

each VFO in the VFO stack.

Quick Point

 The “AUTO” selection of the Roofing Filter is based

on the operating mode. However, you may override the automatic selection, if band conditions warrant a different (usually, a tighter) selection.

 The AUTO mode Roofing Filter selections are shown

below:

AM/FM/FM-PKT 15 kHz LSB/USB/PKT 6 kHz CW/RTTY 3 kHz

)

ROOFING switch

Roofing Filter bandwidth will be

indicated on the LCD

Roofing Filter bandwidth

will be indicated

 When the Roofing filter mode is set to “AUTO” and

the Noise Blanker is turned On, the Roofing Filter bandwidth will automatically be set to 15 kHz, as this setting provides the most effective noise blanking. However, you still may override the automatic setting, and select a more narrow Roofing Filter. Noise blanking may be compromised, however, with a tighter Roofing Filter in the line.

Terminology

A “Roofing Filter,” as its name implies, places a “Roof” over the receiver’s IF system bandwidth. This “Roof” protects the circuitry downstream from the first mixer from interference, just as a roof on a house protects the contents from rain and snow.

Page 55FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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CONTOUR CONTROL OPERATION

The Contour filtering system provides a gentle perturbation of the IF filter passband, so as to suppress or enhance certain frequency components modestly, so as to enhance the natural-sounding received signal.

1. Press the CONT switch (# ). The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red to confirm that the Contour filter is engaged.

2. Rotate the CONTOUR knob (# ) to achieve the most natural-sounding audio reproduction on the incoming signal. To cancel Contour tuning, press the

CONT switch once more.

Advice

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope on the Audio Scope/ Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Contour control for the optimum performance. The effect of the Contour filter adjustments within the Audio Scope passband will be easy to see on the Audio Scope.

 The Width of the Contour filter effect, and the degree

of nulling or peaking, may be adjusted using the menu.

 The Contour filter’s level (either nulling or peaking) may be

adjusted using Menu Item “RX DSP 078 MAIN-CONTOUR-

LEVEL.” The factory default setting is –15.

 The bandwidth over which the Contour filter effect is applied

may be adjusted using Menu Item “RX DSP 079 MAIN-

CONTOUR-WIDTH.” The factory default setting is 10.

CONTOUR knob

CONT switch

Quick Point

The steep slopes of the DSP filtering can, when adjusted aggressively, impart an unnatural sound to an incoming signal. Oftentimes, though, a narrow bandwidth is not the key to improving copy; the incoming signal itself may have undesirable or excessive frequency components, especially in the low-frequency range around 400 Hz. By judicious use of the Contour filter, the “shoulder” of the passband response may be altered, or components removed from within the passband, allowing the desired signal to rise above the background noise and interference in a manner not obtainable with other filtering systems.

With reference to Figure (B), note the initial position (12 o’clock) of

the CONTOUR control when the CONT switch is pushed. You

may observe the "indentation" in the receiver passband where the

Contour filter is placing a low-Q “notch” (per the setting of Menu

#078, referenced above). Counter-clockwise rotation (to the left) of

the Contour knob causes the indentation to move toward a lower

frequency within the passband, while clockwise rotation (to the right)

causes the indentation to move toward a higher frequency within

the passband. By removing interference or unwanted frequency com-

ponents on the incoming signal, it is possible to make the desired

signal rise out of the background noise/interference, enhancing in-

telligibility.

BANDWID TH

BANDWIDTH

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IF SHIFT OPERATION (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT MODES

IF Shift allows you to vary the DSP filter passband higher or lower, without changing the pitch of the incoming signal, so as to reduce or eliminate interference. Because the carrier tuning frequency is not varied, there is no need to re-tune the operating frequency when eliminating the interference. The total passband tuning range for the IF Shift system is ± 1 kHz.

Rotate the SHIFT (# ) control to the left or right to reduce the interference.

Advice

The position of the IF Shift system may be observed on the LCD.

)

IF Shift system may be

observed on the LCD

SHIFT knob

IF Shift system may be

observed

Referring to Figure (A), note the depiction of the

IF DSP filter as the thick line, with the SHIFT

control in the 12 o’clock position. In Figure (B),

an interfering signal has appeared inside the origi-

nal passband. In Figure (C), you can see the effect

of rotating the SHIFT control so as to reduce

the interference level by moving the filter pass-

band so that the interference is outside of the pass-

band.

IF BANDWIDTH

Desire d Signal Desire d Signal

QRM

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

QRM

Page 57FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

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WIDTH (IF DSP BANDWIDTH) TUNING (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT MODES

)

The IF Width tuning system allows you to vary the width of the DSP IF passband, so as to eliminate interference. Moreover, the bandwidth may actually be expanded from its default setting, should you wish to enhance incoming signal fidelity when interference on the band is low.

Rotate the WIDTH knob (# ) to adjust the bandwidth.

WIDTH system may be

observed on the LCD

Counter-clockwise rotation reduces the bandwidth, while clockwise rotation increases the bandwidth.

By rotating the WIDTH knob to the left, the bandwidth will narrow (see Figure (A)), while rotation of the WIDTH knob to the right, as depicted in Figure (C), will widen the bandwidth. The default bandwidths, and total bandwidth adjustment range, will vary according to the operating mode:

SSB Mode

200 Hz ~ 4.0 kHz (bandwidth at 12 o’clock position of WIDTH :

2.4 kHz).

CW/RTTY/PKT Modes

25 Hz ~ 2.4 kHz (bandwidth at 12 o’clock position of WIDTH : 500 Hz).

WIDTH knob

WIDTH system may be

observed on the LCD

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

Advice

You may observe the effects of adjustment of the

WIDTH control on the LCD.

Using IF Shift and Width Together

The IF Shift and Variable IF Width features together form a very effective interference-fighting filtering system.

For example, in Figure (A) you can see how interference has appeared both on the high and low sides of the desired signal. By rotating the WIDTH control, as shown in Figure (B), the interference from one side can be eliminated, and by re-positioning the

SHIFT control (Figure (C)), the interference on the opposite side can be removed, without re-introducing the interference previously eliminated in Figure (B).

Advice

For best interference reduction, the Width and Shift features are the primary tools you should use. After narrowing the bandwidth (Width) and/or adjusting the center of the passband (Shift), the Contour control may also yield additional signal-enhancement benefits on the net residual bandwidth. What’s more, the IF Notch Filter (see the next section) may also be utilized, in conjunction with the three other filter systems, to significant advantage.

Desired Signal

QRM

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

QRM

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IF NOTCH FILTER OPERATION (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT/AM MODES

The IF Notch filter is a highly-effective system that allows you to slice out an interfering beat note or other carrier signal from inside the receiver passband.

1. Press the NOTCH switch (# ). The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red to confirm that the IF Notch filter has been engaged.

2. Rotate the NOTCH knob (# ) to null out the interfering carrier.

To switch the IF Notch filter off, press the NOTCH switch once more. The LED imbedded in the switch will turn off, confirming that the IF Notch filter is no longer operating.

Advice

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope on the Audio Scope/ Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Notch filter control for the optimum performance. The effect of the Notch filter adjustments will be easy to see on the Audio Scope.

 The width of the IF Notch null may be adjusted using

Menu Item “RX DSP 082 IF-NOTCH-WIDTH.” Both “Wide” and “Narrow” selections are available, with “Narrow” providing the least disruption of the “desired” signal.

 Under the frequency display, you may also use the

Bar Display to show the position of the IF Notch. Use Menu Item “DISPLAY 016 BAR DISPLAY SE-

LECT” to engage this function.

Note

When the NOTCH switch is pressed and held in for two seconds, the center of the notch action will be reset to the positions described below (mode-sensitive):

SSB/AM: The Notch will center at 1.5 kHz (center of

the receiver passband).

CW: The Notch will center on the frequency

programmed by the PITCH knob (# ).

)

NOTCH knob

NOTCH switch

The performance of the IF Notch filter is shown in Figure (A), where the effect of rotation of the NOTCH knob is depicted. In Figure (B) you can see the notching effect of the IF Notch filter as you rotate the

NOTCH knob to eliminate the incoming interfer-

ence.

NOTCH

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

QRM (Heterodyne)

Desire d Signal

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DIGITAL NOISE REDUCTION (NR) OPERATION

The Digital Noise Reduction (NR) system is designed to reduce the level of random noise found on the HF and 50 MHz bands, and it is especially effective during SSB operation. By rotating the NR knob, any of sixteen different noisereduction algorithms can be selected; each of these algorithms was create for dealing with a different noise profile, and you will want to experiment with the NR system to find the best setting according to the noise currently being experienced.

1. Press the NR switch (# ). The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red, confirming that the DNR system is engaged.

2. Rotate the NR knob (# ) to select the setting that most effectively reduces the noise level.

To disable the NR system, press the NR switch once more. The imbedded LED will turn off, confirming that the NR system is not active.

NR knob

NR switch

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NARROW (NAR) ONE-TOUCH IF FILTER SELECTION

Pressing the NAR switch (# ) provides one-touch, mode-specific selection of a narrow IF DSP filter setting that does not depend on the setting of the Width control. Pressing the NAR switch once more returns the bandwidth control to the Width/Shift system. The factory default bandwidths are:

)

SSB Mode

Pressing the NAR switch selects a bandwidth of 1.8 kHz.

CW/RTTY/PKT Modes

Pressing the NAR switch selects a bandwidth of 300 Hz.

AM Mode

Pressing the NAR switch selects a bandwidth of 6 kHz.

FM Mode (28/50 MHz Bands)

Pressing the NAR switch selects a bandwidth of 9 kHz.

Advice

 The bandwidth applied when the NAR switch is

pressed may be adjusted using the Menu. This allows you to customize a quick-switch “Narrow” bandwidth matching your operating needs (in examples below, the default setting is underlined).

SSB

Main (VFO-A)

RX DSP 094 MAIN-SSB-NARROW

200/400/600/850/1100/1350/1500/ 1650/1800/1950/2100/2250 Hz

Sub (VFO-B)

RX DSP 106 SUB-SSB-NARROW

200/400/600/850/1100/1350/1500/ 1650/1800/1950/2100/2250 Hz

Main (VFO-A)

RX DSP 085 MAIN-CW-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

Sub (VFO-B)

RX DSP 097 SUB-CW-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

PSK

Main (VFO-A)

RX DSP 088 MAIN-PSK-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

Sub (VFO-B)

RX DSP 100 SUB-PSK-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

RTTY

Main (VFO-A)

RX DSP 91 MAIN-RTTY-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

Sub (VFO-B)

RX DSP 103 SUB-RTTY-NARROW

25/50/100/200/300/400 Hz

WIDTH (BW) “NAR” may be

observed on theLCD

NAR switch

WIDTH (BW) “NAR” may

be observed on the LCD

Advice

 When the NAR button has been pushed so as to

engaged the narrow filter, the Width control will be disabled, but IF Shift still is operational. For many applications, you may find that simple adjustment of the WIDTH control (# ), instead of engaging the Narrow filter, may be satisfactory for interference reduction.

 When you press the NAR button in the FM mode,

both the transmit and receive bandwidths are narrowed.

Note

When the NAR button is pressed, the WIDTH control no longer functions.

Page 61FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 64

NTERFERENCE

EJECTION

IGNALS WITHIN

KHZ

)

DIGITAL NOTCH FILTER (D.NOTCH) OPERATION

The Digital Notch Filter (D.NOTCH) is an effective beat-cancelling filter that can null out a number of interfering beat notes inside the receiver passband. Because this is an Auto-Notch feature, there is no adjustment knob associated with this filter.

Advice

If a very strong interfering carrier is encountered, we recommend you first use the IF Notch filter, as it is the most effective notching tool in the receiver section.

Press the D.NOTCH switch (# ) to engage the Digital Notch filter. The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red, to confirm that the DNF circuit is engaged.

To cancel D.NOTCH operation, press the D.NOTCH switch once more. The imbedded LED will go out, confirming that the Digital Notch Filter is no longer in operation.

D.NOTCH switch

IF NOISE BLANKER (NB) OPERATION

The FT DX 9000 Contest includes an effective IF Noise Blanker, which can significantly reduce noise caused by automotive ignition systems.

1. Press the VFO-A NB switch (# ) momentarily to reduce a short pulse noise such as from switching transients, automobile ignitions and power lines. The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Red to confirm that the Narrow-NB is operating. Press and hold the VFO-A NB switch for two seconds to reduce a longer duration man-made pulse noise. The LED imbedded in the switch will glow Yellow to confirm that the Wide-NB is operating.

2. Advance the VFO-A NB control (# ) to the point where the offending ignition noise is best reduced or eliminated.

To end Noise Blanker operation, press the NB switch once more. The LED imbedded in the switch will turn off, confirming that the Noise Blanker is no longer in operation.

Advice

When the Roofing filter mode is set to “AUTO” and the Noise Blanker is turned On, the Roofing Filter bandwidth will automatically be set to 15 kHz.

NB knob NB switch

Page 62 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 65

OOLS FOR

OMFORTABLE AND

FFECTIVE

ECEPTION

AGC (AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL

The AGC system is designed to help compensate for fading and other propagation effects, with characteristics that can be of particular value on each operating mode. The basic objective of AGC is to maintain a constant audio output level once a certain minimum threshold of signal strength is achieved.

Rotate the AGC switch (# ) to select the desired receiver-recovery time constant. For most operation, we recommend the “AUTO” mode.

Rotation of the AGC switch allows selection of the desired receiver-recovery time constant. Normally, the “AUTO” selection is satisfactory for most situations, but in the event of operation on a crowded band where you wish to receive a weak signal, you may wish to change the setting (to FAST, for example). The AUTO mode selections are:

Operation Mode AUTO AGC Selection

LSB SLOW

USB SLOW

CW FAST AM FAST

FM FAST

RTTY SLOW

PKT(FM) FAST

PKT(LSB) SLOW

AGC switch

)

Advice

If the AGC switch is set to the “Off” position, the Smeter will no longer deflect. Additionally, you will likely encounter distortion on stronger signals, as the IF amplifiers and the following stages are probably being overloaded.

Quick Point

Several aspects of AGC performance may be configured via the Menu. However, because AGC can have such a profound impact on overall receiver performance, we generally do not recommend any changes to the AGC Menu selections.

Terminology

Automatic Gain Control, or AGC, is a circuit that senses the incoming signal strength, and then limits the gains of the RF and IF stages so as to keep the output audio volume at a more-or-less constant level. AGC also protects the RF, IF, Audio, and DSP stages from overload, as it limits the signal strength that is allowed to flow, irrespective of the input signal level.

SLOPED AGC Operation

Page 63FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 66

OOLS FOR

OMFORTABLE AND

FFECTIVE

ECEPTION

AGC (AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL

In traditional AGC systems, the audio output from the transceiver becomes essentially fixed once the threshold for AGC

action is reached (usually several dozen dB above the no-signal noise floor). The FT DX 9000 Contest, however, includes an innovative Sloped AGC system, that allows the audio volume to rise and fall slightly according to signal strength. Although the rise/fall are not dramatic, they are sufficient to allow you to use your ear to discern and separate signals according to signal strength, not just audio frequency.

Using Sloped AGC

1. To the bottom right side of the LCD, press the MNU (Menu) key (# ) momentarily to enter

the Menu mode; the Menu will appear on the LCD.

2. Use the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select

Menu Item “RX AUDIO 075 AGC-SLOPE.

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to change

the setting to “SLOPE.”

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds

to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. You will now be using the Sloped AGC system.

t u p

t u

O o

i d u A

)

SLOPE

NORMAL

Input Signal

MNU key

Main tuning dial

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Page 64 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 67

OOLS FOR

OMFORTABLE AND

FFECTIVE

ECEPTION

AUDIO LIMITER (AFL) FEATURE

Particularly when the AGC is off, you may desire to limit the level of audio output that is permitted to flow to the speaker or earphones. For these circumstances, the AFL (Audio Limiter) feature will provide the desired cap on the audio output.

Press the AFL switch (# ) to turn on the Audio Limiter. The imbedded LED in the button will glow red. To disable the Audio limiter, press the AFL switch once more; the imbedded LED will turn off.

Advice

Because the AFL feature will generally reduce the overall audio level, we recommend that it be left Off unless special operating conditions warrant its use.

AFL switch

Page 65FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 68

SSB/AM MODE TRANSMISSION

1. The operating mode is selected using the

MODE switches (# ) to the left of the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ), and the VFO (A or B) to which the selection is applied is selected by pressing the A or B switch above the Mode keys. Press the

A or B key to select the desired VFO, then press the LSB or USB key to select one of the SSB modes. For AM operation, press the AM key.

Quick Point

By convention, LSB is used in the 7 MHz and lower Amateur

bands for SSB communication, and USB is used on the 14 MHz

and higher bands (the 10 MHz band is used for CW and data modes

only).

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob to adjust the operating frequency. Alternatively, if using the optional MD-200A8X Desktop Microphone, you may use the Up/Down scanning buttons to sweep up or down the current band.

Advice

Be sure to verify that the microphone you are using is enabled for

operation via the Menu. There are two microphone jacks (the front

panel's three-pin XLR (“Cannon”) connector, and the rear panel’s

8-pin round connector), and either jack may be chosen indepen-

dently for SSB, AM, and FM operation. See the Menu list below

for details of the associated Menu Item:

3. Press the microphone’s PTT (Push To Talk) switch to begin transmission; speak into the microphone in a normal voice level.

 The “TX” indicator will light up in the frequency display area,

confirming that transmission is in progress.

 When transmitting in the AM mode, rotate the RF PWR

control (# ) so as to set a maximum (carrier) power output

of 50 Watts.

 Release the PTT switch at the end of your transmission. The

transceiver will return to the receive mode.

4. To adjust the microphone amplifier gain to match the microphone and your voice level, close the PTT switch, speak into the microphone in a normal voice level, and adjust the MIC (gain) control (# ) as follows: SSB Mode Adjust the MIC control so that the ALC voltage (displayed on the right meter) stays within the ALC zone of the meter (up to 2/3 or full scale deflection) on voice peaks. For AM, the MIC control should not be advanced to the point where the ALC meter deflects. In many cases, the same setting as used on SSB will be satisfactory.

MOX switch

METER switch

MIC knob

Please adjust the MIC gain control to set the ALC within this range.

MODE switchVOX switch

Main Tuning Dial

RF/PWR knob

Advice

 ALC meter deflection may be caused by excessive

drive power, but also by reflected power detected in the antenna system. If the impedance presented to the transceiver is different from 50 Ohms, ALC meter action may be observed that is not related to the proper setting of the MIC gain control. Therefore, we recommend that you make MIC gian adjustments into a dummy load or antenna system presenting an impedance very close to 50 Ohms.

 Rotate the RF PWR control to

set the desired power output. Clockwise rotation of the RF PWR control will increase the power. The adjustment range is between 5 Watts and 200 Watts, and you should always use the minimum power necessary for maintaining reliable communications.

 When performing tests (such as the setup of the MIC

or RF PWR controls), be sure to check the frequency before transmitting, so as to avoid interference to others who may already be using the frequency.

 Four techniques for exercising Transmit/Receive con-

trol are provided on the FT DX 9000 Contest, and you may choose the technique(s) that best suit your operating needs:

 Pressing the microphone’s PTT switch will engage the trans-

mitter.

 The rear panel PTT jack may be connected to a foot switch or

other manual switching device in order to engage the transmitter.

PTT jack

 Pressing the front panel MOX switch (# ) will

lock the transmitter on. Press the MOX switch ( a latching type) to return to receive.

 The VOX (Voice Operated Xmit) circuit will en-

gage the transmitter automatically when you speak into the microphone. For details of VOX operation, see page 80.

Page 66 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 69

SSB/AM MODE TRANSMISSION

PHANTOM VOLTAGE FOR CONDENSER MICROPHONES

For powering a studio-quality condenser microphone connected to the front panel’s XLR (“Cannon”) connector, it is possible to enable a 48-volt DC line connected to that jack. Because the improper enabling of this voltage could cause damage to other microphone types, the simple process for enabling the voltage has been made somewhat complicated, so as to prevent the voltage from being enabled by accident.

1. Turn the front and rear panel power switches Off.

2. Unplug the AC cable from the rear panel AC IN jack.

3. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws from the sides of the transceiver case.

4. Now remove the six screws shown in Figure 1 from the bottom case.

5. Referring to Figure 2, locate jack J28 on the AF Unit, and remove the jumper plug which is connected across pins 2 and 3 of J28.

6. Connect the just-removed jumper plug so that it now is connected across pins 1 and 2 of J28 (instead of the original position across pins 2 and 3).

7. Replace the six screws to affix the bottom case, and replace the eight screws from the sides of the transceiver (these screws were removed in steps 3 and 4 above).

8. Connect the AC cable to the rear panel’s AC IN jack.

9. Turn the rear panel’s power switch on, then turn the front panel power switch on.

10. If the above process has been successfully completed, you will observe that a small red LED just above and to the right of the XLR connector is now illuminated. If this LED is not glowing red, please check the status of the jumper plug once more.

11. If the red LED is glowing properly, the modification to enable the phantom 48 Volt line is now complete.

Figure 1

Jumper Plug

nside the Transceiver

)

Note

 When opening/closing the case, take care with your

screwdriver not to short out internal components, or touch them in a way that will cause them to short out against other components.

 Avoid touching internal components with your hand,

as static electricity can cause damage to certain components if appropriate anti-static bench techniques are employed.

 Only engage the phantom power when you have no

alternative but to use a condenser microphone requiring such voltage. The wide availability of studio-grade Dynamic microphones (that do not require the phantom voltage) generally makes the use of the phantom voltage unnecessary over the life of the transceiver. Because damage can occur if the phantom voltage is enabled on a microphone not requiring it, we strongly recommend that the jumper plug at J28 (AF Unit) be left in its original position across pins 2 and 3.

 The phantom voltage capability of the FT DX 9000

Contest is disabled at the factory, and the lack of this voltage is not a “defect” or other condition covered by the Limited Warranty on this product. Accordingly, if you do not feel capable of enabling the phantom voltage and ask a service shop to do so on your behalf, a service fee may apply.

48-volt Supply Line

Move

Disable

Enable

Figure 2

Terminology

Phantom Voltage

Phantom Voltage is a term describing the voltage (48 Volts at 10 mA max.) provided via the front panel’s XLR (“Cannon”) microphone connector, for use with a studio-grade condenser microphone. Although disabled at the factory, enabling of the voltage only requires that the position of an internal jumper plug be moved.

Page 67FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 70

USING THE AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

The Automatic Antenna Tuner (hereinafter referred to as the “ATU”) built into each FT DX 9000 Contest is crafted to ensure a 50-Ohm load for the final amplifier stage of the transmitter. We recommend that the ATU be used whenever you operate on the FT DX 9000 Contest.

Advice

 The ATU of the FT DX 9000 Contest, being located inside the station, only adjusts the impedance presented to the

transceiver at the station end of your coaxial cable feedline. It does not “tune” the SWR at the antenna feedpoint itself. When designing and building your antenna system, we recommend that every effort be made to ensure a low SWR at the antenna feedpoint.

 The ATU of the FT

one per Amateur band, so that each band has at least one setting preset for use on that band. The remaining 89 memories are reserved for the 89 most-recent tuning points, for quick frequency change without the need to retune the ATU.

 The ATU in the FT DX 9000 Contest is designed to match impedances within the range of 16.5 Ohms to 150 Ohms,

corresponding to an SWR of 3:1 or less. Accordingly, simple non-resonant whip antennas, along with random-length wires and the “G5RV” antenna (on most bands) may not be within the impedance matching range of the ATU.

DX 9000 Contest includes 100 memories for tuning data. Eleven of these memories are allocated,

ATU OPERATION

1. Rotate the RF PWR control (# ) fully clockwise (to the right).

2. Use the MAIN Tuning Dial knob (# ) to set the radio to desired operating frequency within the Amateur band.

3. Press the TUNE switch (# ) momentarily to place the ATU in the transmit line (no adjustment/tuning will occur yet). An LED inside the TUNE switch will glow red continuously. Quick Point The momentary press of the TUNE switch will turn the tuner on, and the microprocessor will automatically select the tuning point closest to the current operating frequency.

4. Press and hold in the TUNE switch for two seconds to begin automatic tuning. The transmitter will be engaged, and the red LED imbedded in the TUNE switch will blink while tuning is in progress. When the optimum tuning point has been reached, the radio will return to receive, and the red LED will again glow steadily (instead of blinking).

5. While tuning around the band using the Main tuning dial, you will observe that the TUNE LED blinks momentarily every 10 kHz. This momentary blinking indicates that a new tuning window has been entered. If you want to save tuning data associated with this 10 kHz window, repeat step 4 (above) for each such window. On bands like 1.8 MHz where the impedance may change rapidly, the storage of a number of tuning points is recommended.

6. To disconnect the ATU from the transmit line, press the TUNE switch momentarily. The red LED imbedded in the TUNE switch will go out, confirming that the ATU has been turned off. In the “Off” mode, the transceiver will be directly connected to the coaxial cable connected to your antenna, and will operate based on whatever impedance is present at the station end of the coax.

TUNE switch

RF PWR knob

Advice

The ATU is connected both to the transmitter and the receiver, and its natural RF selectivity has a beneficial effect in rejecting out-of-band energy during reception. Accordingly, we recommend that the ATU be left “On” at all times.

Quick Point

 As shipped from the factory, only one ATU alignment

point is saved on each Amateur band. This was memorized during the final alignment and performance verification stages on the production line.

 The momentary flickering of the TUNE switch’s

LED occurs whenever you cross over into a new 10 kHz ATU memory window.

Note

Although transmitter power is decreased to 100 Watts (maximum) during tuning, by all means please check the operating frequency before beginning the tuning process, to be sure you are not interfering with others who may already be using the frequency.

“HI-SWR”

(LED glows Red)

Main Tuning Dial

Terminology

Antenna Tuner Memories

The microprocessor of the ATU makes a note of the positions of the tuning capacitors and the selected inductors, and stores the data for each 10 kHz window in which tuning has occurred. This eliminates the need to re-tune every time you return to a frequency on which you already have completed the tuning process.

Page 68 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 71

USING THE AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

ABOUT ATU OPERATION

Figure 1 depicts a situation where normal tuning via the ATU has been successfully completed, and the tuning data has been stored in the ATU memory. The antenna system as seen by the transmitter is shown.

In Figure 2, the operator has changed frequency, and the HI SWR LED has become illuminated. The operator presses and holds in the

If a high SWR conditions exists (above 3:1), corrective action must be taken in the antenna system to bring the impedance closer to 50 Ohms. Besides the fact that the ATU will refuse to memorize settings on frequencies where the SWR exceeds 3:1, the high SWR may indicate a mechanical failure in the feed system, and such failures can lead to the generation of spurious signals causing TVI, etc.

TUNE switch for two seconds to begin impedance matching using the ATU.

SWR = 2.0

Feed Point SWR

SWR = 1.5

SWR = 1.0

SWR = 3.0

SWR = 2.0

SWR = 1.0

Frequency



Memorized ATU Setting

Memorized SWR

Frequency



SWR Seen by ATU

SWR after ATU Tuning

Figure 1

①

Figure 2

Retuned Setting

Retunig

②

About ATU Memories

SWR (Post-tuning) Less than 1.5:1

The tuning settings are committed to the ATU memory.

SWR (Post-tuning) Greater than 1.5:1

Tuning data will not be retained in memory. If you return to the same frequency, the tuning process must be repeated.

SWR (Post-tuning) Greater than 3:1

The HI SWR LED will light up, and tuning settings, if achieved, will not be memorized. Please investigate and resolve the high SWR condition before attempting further operation using this antenna. The high SWR may indicate a mechanical failure in the feed system, and such failures can lead to the generation of spurious signals causing TVI, etc.

Page 69FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 72

USING THE AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

LITHIUM BATTERY REPLACEMENT

The memories for the ATU are backed up by a common Lithium backup battery (type CR2032 or equivalent). After two or more years of heavy use, you may notice that the tuner memories are not being maintained, and that you have to re-tune when returning to a frequency on which you had previously stored tuning data.

In this case, please replace the ATU Backup Battery using the following procedure:

1. Turn the transceiver’s main power switch Off.

2. Unplug the AC cable from the rear panel’s (~AC IN) jack.

3. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws ( from the side of the transceiver, along with the six screws ( ) affixing the bottom case; remove the bottom case.

4. Now remove the three screws (⇒) affixing the top case (Figure 2), and remove the top case.

5. Referring to Figure 3, remove the screws ( ) at the top left and top right that hold the front panel assembly in place, and loosen the two screws ( ) at the bottom left and bottom right, so they can hold the front panel as it is folded forward.

6. Refer to Figure 4, and slide the front panel diagonally upward and outward, then fold the front panel forward to expose the Control Unit behind it.

7. Locate the Lithium battery on the left side of the Control Unit (Figure 5).

8. Follow the guidelines in Figure 6, and remove the old battery, replacing it with a new one of the identical type.

9. Restore the front panel to its original position, and replace the two screws (one from each side, near the top) and tighten the two lower screws that were loosened in step 5. Replace the top and bottom covers, reinstalling all the screws removed in steps 3 and 4. Replace the eight screws removed from the sides of the transceiver.

10. ATU Backup Battery replacement is now complete.

)

Figure 1

Quick Point

When the ATU Backup Battery is replaced, all tuner memories will be erased, and new sets of tuning data will have to be stored.

Note

 Use care in the handling and storage of the Lithium

battery. It is small, and presents a choking hazard to small children; therefore keep such batteries out of the reach of children at all times. Do not dispose of Lithium batteries in fire, and do not attempt to recharge them under any circumstances.

 When opening/closing the case, take care with your

screwdriver not to short out internal components, or touch them in a way that will cause them to short out against other components.

 The exhaustion of the ATU backup battery of the

FT DX 9000 Contest is a normal “wear and tear” situation, and the loss of the backup voltage is not a “defect” or other condition covered by the Limited Warranty on this product. Accordingly, if you do not feel capable of replacing the battery, and ask a service shop to do so on your behalf, a service fee may apply.

Figure 2

Remove

Loosen

Figure 3

Page 70 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 73

USING THE AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

LITHIUM BATTERY REPLACEMENT

Slide the front panel diagonally upward and outward.

ATU Backup Battery

Backup Switch

Figure 4

CONTROL Unit

ON OFF

Figure 5

Removal of the Lithium Backup Battery

After pushing in the direction of th e a rrow,

move your finger upward.

Figure 6

Inserting the Lithium Backup Battery

Use your fingertip to push in the

indicated direction.

Page 71FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 74

SSB/AM M

ODE

RANSMISSION

NHANCING TRANSMIT SIGNAL

UALITY

)

USING THE SPEECH PROCESSOR - SSB, AM MODE -

The Speech Processor is designed to increase “talk power” by increasing the average power output via a sophisticated compression technique. The result is improved intelligibility when conditions are difficult.

1. Adjust the MIC gain control (# ) for SSB use, as described on page 66.

2. Rotate the so as to select “COM” (Compression).

3. Press the LED imbedded in the switch will light up, confirming that the Speech Processor is engaged.

4. Press the PTT switch on the microphone, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level. Observe the deflection of the meter needle on the COMP meter scale.

5. Rotate the PROC control (# ) so that the meter needle deflects to not more than “10 dB” on the COMP scale.

To switch the Speech Processor off, press the PROC switch once more. The Red LED imbedded in the switch will go out, confirming that the Speech processor is turned off.

Advice

Excessive advancement of the COMP control will result in a degradation of the transmitted signal’s signal-to-noise ratio, thereby reducing intelligibility at the other end of the circuit.

METER switch (# ) fully to the left,

PROC switch (# ) momentarily. The Red

METER switch

PROC switch

MIC knob / PROC knob

METER switch

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope/Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you adjust the setting of the Compression Level of the Speech Processor for the optimum performance using your voice and microphone.

 The Transmit Monitor is another helpful way of veri-

fying proper adjustment of the Compression level. By Pressing the MONI key (# ) and adjusting the

MONI control (# ) for a comfortable listening level while you are transmitting, you will be able to hear the difference in sound quality as you make adjustments.

 The RF PWR control (# ) still controls the RF

power output, whether or not the Speech Processor is engaged.

MIC knob / PROC knob

PROC switch

Page 72 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 75

SSB/AM M

ODE

RANSMISSION

NHANCING TRANSMIT SIGNAL

UALITY

ADJUSTING THE SSB TRANSMITTED BANDWIDTH

For transmission on SSB, a default bandwidth of 2.4 kHz is provided. This bandwidth provides reasonable fidelity along with good talk power, and is typical of the bandwidth used for decades during SSB transmission. However, the bandwidth may be varied by the operator, so as to provide different levels of fidelity or talk power, according to your preferences. Here's how to adjust the transmitted bandwidth on SSB:

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to engage the Menu.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) so as to

select Menu Item “MODE SSB 070 SSB-TX-BPF.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to select the desired bandwidth. The available selections are

3000WB/50-3000/100-2900/200-2800/ 300-2700/400-2600, and the default is 300-2700 Hz.

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

Advice

 When the optional Data Management Unit (DMU-

9000) and TFT Display Unit (TFT-9000) are installed, you may use the Audio Scope function of the Audio Scope/Oscilloscope page on the TFT to help you view any changes to the passband.

 The Transmit Monitor is another helpful way of veri-

fying the effects on fidelity of changing the bandwidth. By adjusting the MONI control (# ) for a comfortable listening level while you are transmitting, you will be able to hear the difference in sound quality as you make changes.

Main Tuning Dial

MNU key

CLAR/VFO-B knob

)

Quick Point

 The higher fidelity associated with wide bandwidth

will be particularly enjoyable on the low bands, during local rag-chew QSOs.

 The “3000WB” setting is a special hi-fidelity setting,

whereby the transmitted bandwidth is in excess of 3 kHz. This selection, in conjunction with judicious adjustment of the Parametric Microphone Equalizer (see next chapter) can provide truly outstanding fidelity and very natural-sounding audio.

 When using the wider bandwidth selections (especially

“3000WB”), the apparent power output from the transmitter may seem lower. This is because the available power from the transmitter is being distributed over a wider bandwidth, and the power detection circuitry does not compensate for the effect of the bandwidth selection (it is calibrated in the default 2.4 kHz bandwidth).

Page 73FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 76

SSB/AM M

IGNAL QUALITY ENHANCEMENT USING THE PARAMETRIC MICROPHONE EQUALIZER

The FT DX 9000 Contest includes a unique Three-Band Parametric Microphone Equalizer, that provides precise, independent control over the low-, mid-, and treble-ranges in your voice wave-form.

Quick Point

 The Parametric Equalizer is a unique technique for adjusting the signal quality. Because the three ranges may be

adjusted so precisely , it is possible to craft a response that provides a more natural and pleasant sound than you have ever experienced before.

 The Parametric Equalizer adjustments are applied independently to the front XLR (“Cannon”) and rear (8-pin) micro-

phone jacks, so you can connect different microphones and customize the audio response that best suits each microphone.

The aspects of configuration that you may adjust on the Parametric Equalizer are:

Center Frequency: The center frequency of each of the three bands may be adjusted.

Gain: The amount of enhancement (or suppression) within each band may be adjusted. Q: The bandwidth over which the equalization is performed may be adjusted.

ODE

RANSMISSION

NHANCING TRANSMIT SIGNAL

UALITY

)

1. Connect the microphone to the front or rear microphone jack.

2. Set the so as not to cause interference to other users during adjustment.

 Because the setup of the Parametric Equalizer for both front

 You will have the best chance of hearing the effects of adjust-

3. Press the MONI switch (# ).

4. Press the MNU key (# ) momentarily. The Menu list will appear on the LCD.

5. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to Menu Items 136 through 153; these partain to the adjustment of the Parametric Microphone Equalizer.

6. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to perform adjustments to a particular Menu item.

7. Close the PTT switch, and speak into the microphone while listening to the effects of the changes you are making (in step 6). Because the overall effect on the sound will change with each adjustment you make, you should make several passes through each adjustment area, to be sure that you are achieving the optimum setting.

8. When you have completed all adjustments, press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new settings and exit to normal operation. If you only press the MNU key momentarily to exit, any changes you performed will not be stored.

RF PWR control (# ) to its minimum value,

Advice

and rear microphone jacks may take some time, we recom-

mend you consider connecting a dummy load to one of the

Antenna jacks, and monitor your signal on a separate receiver,

so as to prevent interference to other users.

ments if you wear headphones while monitoring your trans-

mitted signal.

MONI knob

MONI switch

Main Tuning Dial

RF PWR knob

MNU key

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Page 74 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 77

SSB/AM M

IGNAL QUALITY ENHANCEMENT USING THE PARAMETRIC MICROPHONE EQUALIZER

+10dB

ODE

RANSMISSION

NHANCING TRANSMIT SIGNAL

UALITY

)

Parametric Gain

(dB)0

QQQ

-10dB

f3f2f1

100 700Hz～700 1500Hz～1500 3200Hz

3-Stage Parametric Equalizer Adjustments: Front Panel Microphone Jack

TX AUDIO 136 F-PRMTRC EQ1-FREQ “100” (Hz) ~ “700” (Hz)

Center Frequency

Parametric Gain

Q (Bandwidth)

TX AUDIO 139 F-PRMTRC EQ2-FREQ “700” (Hz) ~ “1500” (Hz) TX AUDIO 142 F-PRMTRC EQ3-FREQ “1500” (Hz) ~ “3200” (Hz) TX AUDIO 137 F-PRMTRC EQ1-LEVEL (Low) “–10” (–10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 140 F-PRMTRC EQ2-LEVEL (Mid) “–10” (–10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 143 F-PRMTRC EQ3-LEVEL (High) “–10 (–10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 138 F-PRMTRC EQ1-BWTH (Low) “1” ~ “10” TX AUDIO 141 F-PRMTRC EQ2-BWTH (Mid) “1” ~ “10” TX AUDIO 144 F-PRMTRC EQ3-BWTH (High) “1” ~ “10”

～

3-Stage Parametric Equalizer Adjustments: Rear Panel Microphone Jack

TX AUDIO 145 R-PRMTRC EQ1-FREQ “100” (Hz) ~ “700” (Hz)

Center Frequency

Parametric Gain

Q (Bandwidth)

TX AUDIO 148 R-PRMTRC EQ2-FREQ “700” (Hz) ~ “1500” (Hz) TX AUDIO 151 R-PRMTRC EQ3-FREQ “1500” (Hz) ~ “3200” (Hz) TX AUDIO 146 R-PRMTRC EQ1-LEVEL (Low) “-10” (–10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 149 R-PRMTRC EQ2-LEVEL (Mid) “–10” (–10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 152 R-PRMTRC EQ3-LEVEL (High) “–10” (-10dB) ~ “+10” (+10dB) TX AUDIO 147 R-PRMTRC EQ1-BWTH (Low) “1” ~ “10” TX AUDIO 150 R-PRMTRC EQ2-BWTH (Mid) “1” ~ “10” TX AUDIO 153 R-PRMTRC EQ3-BWTH (High) “1” ~ “10”

Page 75FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 78

SSB/AM M

ODE

RANSMISSION

- D

ISTORTION

CLASS-A O

PERATION

)

LOW- DISTORTION CLASS-A OPERATION

Class-A operation of the FT DX 9000 Contest transmitter is provided, yielding ultra-low distortion products during SSB operation. Power output during Class-A operation is 75 Watts.

To engage Class-A operation, press the CLASS-A switch (# ).

The imbedded Red LED will light up, confirming that ClassA operation has been selected. Engaging the “Class-A” mode actually places the transceiver in a condition whereby the Bias level may be adjusted, using the

BIAS control (# ), to set the transceiver for operation anywhere between Class A and Class AB (which has lower heat dissipation but higher distortion products). Clockwise rotation of the BIAS control increases the Bias, and fully clockwise rotation of the BIAS control will place the transmitter in fully Class-A operation. Counter-clockwise rotation of the BIAS control will move the transmitter toward Class AB operation.

BIAS knob

To exit from the CLASS-A mode, press the CLASS-A switch once more. The Red LED imbedded in the switch will go out, confirming that the CLASS-A mode has been disengaged.

CLASS-A switch

Continuous adjustment of the Bias Level between Class-A and Class-AB is possible.

Class-AClass-AB

Input

Class-AB and Class-A Operating Principle

Advice

 During Class-A operation, ten Amps of Bias current will be flowing, regardless of the modu-

lation level that leads to actual power output. Therefore, if the ambient temperature in your operation location is high, the transceiver temperature may rise as well, due to the high bias level (which must be dissipated as heat). Depending on the temperature, you may wish to reduce the setting of the BIAS control, so as to reduce the amount of heat being generated.

 During Class A operation, we recommend that you monitor the heat sink temperature by pressing the TEMP switch

(# ) so as to engage the temperature monitoring mode of the TEMP/SWR meter (# ). Usually, the temperature will be well below the 80 °C “Red Zone,” because the fan speed will increase to control a rise in temperature. If you are operating in a hot environment, though, and the increasing fan speed does not maintain the temperature below 80 °C, try adjusting the Bias Level temporarily in the direction of Class AB operation; this will reduce the amount of heat being dissipated in the heat sink.

 The Bias Level is displayed on the VDD/BIAS meter (# ) when the BIAS switch (# ) is pushed. On the “Bias”

scale, “0%” represents Class AB operation, while “100%” represents Class A operation.

 An innovative aspect of the “Class-A” mode is that the actual power output is always limited to 75 Watts. So even

though you might adjust the BIAS control in the direction of Class-AB operation, the power output will not rise; this eliminates the need, for example, to re-tune your linear amplifier, if used.

Quick Point

Page 76 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 79

SSB/AM M

ODE

RANSMISSION

(LOW- DISTORTION CLASS-A OPERATION)

LOW- DISTORTION CLASS-A OPERATION

 Class-A operation provides a significant improvement in transmitter distortion suppression. During Class-A, the 3rd-

order IMD products are typically suppressed 50 dB, while the 5th- and higher-order IMD products (that can cause “splatter” that interferes with others) will typically be suppressed 70 dB or more.

 If you are using a linear amplifier such as the VL-1000, the low distortion produced by the FT DX 9000 Contest’s

transmitter means that these intermodulation distortion products will not exist to be amplified by your linear.

 High-Power 200-Watt Final Amplifier Stage

The final amplifier stage of the FT DX 9000 Contest utilizes a pair of ST Micro Electronics Corp. SD2931 MOSFET devices operating at 50 Volts. This push-pull configuration provides low distortion along with high power output. The 120 mm thermostatically-controlled cooling fan directs forced air across the heat sink, should the heat sink temperature exceed the temperature that will trigger the thermostat.

Page 77FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 80

SSB/AM MODE TRANSMISSION

VOICE MEMORY

You may utilize the Voice Memory capability of the FT DX 9000 Contest by plugging in the supplied FH-2 Remote Control Keypad into the rear panel’s REMOTE jack.

The Voice Memory system includes five memories capable of storing up to 20 seconds of voice audio each. The maximum that any memory can hold is 20 seconds. Please see the diagram depicting connection of the FH-2 Remote Control Keypad on page 15.

Recording Your Own Voice in Memory

1. Select the LSB, USB, AM, or FM mode using the front

panel Mode selector switches.

2. Press the MEM key on the FH-2.

LOCK

OFFON

3. Press any of the keys numbered 1 through 5 to

select that memory storage register. If you do not press the PTT key (see next step) within five seconds, the memory storage process will be cancelled.

LOCK

OFFON

Checking Your Recording

1. Be sure that the front panel MOX switch is Off (not pushed in).

2. Press the 1 ~ 5 key (whichever one you just recorded in), and you will hear the contents of the voice memory you just recorded.

LOCK

OFFON

Advice

You may rotate the AF GAIN control (# ) to adjust the playback level of the recording.

Transmitting the Recorded Message

1. Select the LSB, USB, AM, or FM mode using the front panel MODE selector switches (# ).

2. Press the front panel’s BK-IN/SPOT switch (# ).

3. Press the FH-2 1 ~ 5 key, depending on which memory register's message you wish to transmit. If you hit the key again during playback, the message will be terminated.

LOCK

4. Press the microphone’s PTT switch, and speak into

OFFON

the microphone in a normal voice level to record the message (such as “CQ DX, CQ DX, this is W 6 Delta X-Ray Charlie, W 6 Delta X-Ray Charlie, Over”). Remember that the time limit for recording any message is 20 seconds.

5. Press the FH-2 MEM key to terminate the message storage process.

Page 78 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 81

NOTE

Page 79FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 82

CONVENIENT TRANSMITTER ACCESSORIES

VOX: A

Instead of using the microphone’s PTT switch or the front panel MOX switch to activate the transmitter, the VOX (Voice Operated TX/RX Control) system provides hands-free, automatic activation of the transmitter, based on voice input into the microphone. Setup of the VOX system takes only a few seconds.

1. To start, set the DELAY and VOX controls (# ) fully counter-clockwise (to the left).

2. Press the VOX switch (# ) to engage VOX operation.

3. Speak into the microphone in a normal voice level, and rotate the VOX knob clockwise (to the right) until the point where your voice input activates the transmitter.

 Do not advance the setting of the VOX control too much,

because to do so will make the transmitter respond to minor

background noises in your station.

4. Now stop speaking, and note the amount of time it takes for the receiver to recover. If the hang time is too long or too short; rotate the DELAY knob, while speaking briefly into the microphone and then pausing, so as to set the desired hang time. Clockwise rotation of the DELAY control will increase the hang time.

5. To exit from VOX operation, press the VOX switch once more. We recommend doing this if you are going to leave your station, to prevent inadvertent activation of the VOX system by a ringing nearby telephone, speaker audio from a TV, etc.

UTOMATIC

TX/RX S

WITCHING USING VOICE CONTROL

SSB/AM/FM M

VOX switch

DELAY knob / VOX knob

Advice

VOX operation may be engaged on either Voice modes (SSB/AM/FM) and on AFSK-based Data modes. Use Menu item “TX GNRL 159 VOX SELECT” (the selections are “MIC” and “DATA”).

ODES

USING THE MONITOR

You may listen to the quality of your transmitted signal using the Monitor feature.

1. Press the MONI switch (# ). The imbedded Red LED will light up, indicating that the Monitor is turned on.

2. During transmission, rotate the MONI knob (# ) to adjust the audio level from the Monitor. Clockwise rotation of this knob will increase the volume level.

3. To switch the Monitor off again, press the MONI switch once more. The Red LED will go out, confirming that the Monitor is now disengaged.

Advice

 If you are using the speaker for monitoring, instead of

headphones, excessive advancement of the MONI control can cause feedback to occur. Additionally, this feedback can cause the VOX system to hang up in a loop, making it impossible to return to receive. Therefore, we recommend the use of headphones, if at all possible, or the minimum usable setting of the

MONI control, if the speaker must be used.

 Because the Monitor feature utilizes a sampling of the

transmitter’s IF signal, it can be very useful for checking the adjustment of the Speech Processor or Parametric Equalizer on SSB, and for checking the general signal quality on AM and FM.

MONI knob

MONI switch

Page 80 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 83

CONVENIENT TRANSMITTER ACCESSORIES

SPLIT OPERATION USING THE TX CLARIFIER (VFO-A OPERATION

)

For split TX/RX operation in “casual” pile-ups, where the split is less than 10 kHz, the TX Clarifier (Offset Tuning) feature may be utilized.

1. Press the CLAR switch (# ). The Red LED imbedded in the switch will light up, and “CLAR” will appear

CLAR/VFO-B knob

TX switch

in the display. The CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) will now be enabled for offset tuning of the transmitter.

Advice

 Please verify that the lamp to the right of the CLAR/VFO-

B knob is not lit up in Orange. If so, this indicates that this

knob is currently engaged for VFO-B tuning. If the Orange

lamp is lit, press the A/B switch (# ), then press the

CLAR switch, to engage Clarifier operation.

Quick Point

 The Clarifier is frequently used for receiver offset tuning. How-

ever, for DX pile-ups where the DX station is using a split of

less than 10 kHz, the TX Clarifier function is usually the quick-

est way to set the transmitter to the desired offset frequency.

2. Press the TX switch (# ), located above and to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob. The “TX” notation will appear on the frequency display to the left of the main frequency.

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob to set the desired transmitter offset. A maximum split of ± 9.999 kHz may be set.

To disengage the transmit Clarifier temporarily, press the

TX switch once more. The “TX” indication will disap-

pear from the frequency display area.

To exit from Clarifier operation, press the CLAR switch once more. The “CLAR” indication will disappear from the display.

Advice

 To listen to the pile-up calling the DX station, so as to

find the station currently being worked, you may press the RX switch (# ) (above and to the left of the

CLAR/VFO-B knob). Once you have zeroed in on the station calling the DX (use the SPOT function on CW for precise alignment of your frequency), you may then press the RX switch again to cancel the RX Clarifier, and return to reception on the DX station’s frequency.

 Just as with receiver Clarifier operation, the amount

of offset from the original VFO frequency will appear in the small display window.

 As with receiver Clarifier operation, when you turn

the TX Clarifier off the last-used offset is not lost, and will be available if you turn the TX Clarifier back on. To clear the Clarifier offset, press the CLAR switch.

CLAR switch

CLEAR switch

Clarifier Offset Bar Indicator

A visual depiction of the relative offset of the Clarifier may be displayed, using the Bar Indicator.

1. Press the MNU key (# ); the Menu list will appear on the LCD.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select Menu item “DISPLAY 016 BAR DISPLAY SELECT.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B control (# ) to select “CLAR” form the available choices; the factory default is “CW-TUNE.”

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

(TX frequency < RX frequency)

(TX frequency = RX frequency)

(TX frequency > RX frequency)

Page 81FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 84

CONVENIENT TRANSMITTER ACCESSORIES

SPLIT-FREQUENCY OPERATION

A powerful capability of the FT DX 9000 Contest is its flexibility in Split Frequency operation, using the VFO-A and VFOB frequency registers. This makes the FT DX 9000 Contest especially useful for high-level DX-pedition use, as the Split operation capability is very advanced and easy to use.

1. Set the VFO-A frequency as desired.

2. Set the VFO-B frequency.

3. Now press the SPLIT switch (# ). The “Split” mode will be engaged, and the front panel switch/LEDs will look like this:

VFO-A

RX switch (# ) “ON” (LED glows Green) TX switch (# ) “OFF” (LED Off)

VFO-B

RX switch (# ) “OFF” (LED Off) TX switch (# ) “ON”(LED glows Red)

During Split operation, the VFO-A register will be used for reception, while the VFO-B register will be used for transmission. If you press the SPLIT switch once more, Split operation will be cancelled.

You may also press the TX switch located above and to the right of the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to return transmit frequency control to the VFO-A side, and thereby cancel Split operation.

Advice

 During normal (non-split) VFO-A operation, you may

simply press the VFO-B TX switch (located above and to the right of the CLAR/VFO-B knob: # ) to engage Split operation. The TX indicator will glow Red when you press the switch.

 During Split operation, pressing the A

B switch (# ) will reverse the contents of the VFO-A and VFO-B. Press the A

B switch once more to re-

turn to the original frequency alignment.

 During Split operation, you may also press the TXW

(# ) switch (below and to the left of the Main Tuning Dial) to listen to the TX frequency temporarily.

 It is possible to set different operating modes (for ex-

ample, LSB and USB) on the two VFOs used during Split operation.

 During Split operation, it also is possible to set the

VFO-A and VFO-B to different Amateur bands, and it also is possible to engage Crossband operation for multiplier hunting while calling CQ on the “TX” band.

VFO-A

RX switch “ON”

(LED glows Green)

SPLIT switch

SPLIT

(LED glows Orange)

VFO-A

TX switch “OFF”

(LED Off)

VFO-B

TX switch “ON”

(LED glows Red)

VFO-B

RX switch “OFF”

(LED Off)

Page 82 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 85

CONVENIENT TRANSMITTER ACCESSORIES

SPLIT-FREQUENCY OPERATION

Quick Split Operation

The Quick Split feature allows you to set a one-touch offset of +5 kHz to be applied to your radio’s transmit frequency on the VFO-B, compared to the VFO-A frequency.

1. Start with regular transceiver operation on the VFOA.

VFO-A

RX switch (# ) “ON” (LED glows Green) TX switch (# ) “ON” (LED glows Red)

VFO-B

RX switch (# ) “OFF” (LED Off) TX switch (# ) “OFF” (LED Off)

2. Press and hold in the SPLIT switch (# ) for two seconds to engage the Quick Split feature, and apply a frequency 5 kHz above the VFO-A frequency to the VFO-B frequency register. Press and hold in the SPLIT switch for two seconds to increment the VFO-A frequency to +5 kHz. The VFO configuration will then be:

VFO-A

RX switch “ON” (LED glows Green) TX switch “OFF” (LED Off)

VFO-B

RX switch “OFF” (LED Off) TX switch “ON” (LED glows Red)

Quick Point

 The operating mode applied to the VFO-B register

will be the same as that in use on the VFO-A register.

 The offset of the VFO-B from the VFO-A is pro-

grammed via the Menu, and is set to +5 kHz at the factory. Other offsets may be selected, however, using the following procedure:

VFO-A

RX switch “ON”

(LED glows Green)

SPLIT switch

SPLIT

Indicator

VFO-A

TX switch “OFF”

(LED Off)

VFO-B

TX switch “ON”

(LED glows Red)

VFO-B

RX switch “OFF”

(LED Off)

1. Press the

MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to se-

lect Menu item “GENERAL 032 QUICK SPLIT FREQ.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to select the desired offset. The available selections are

-20kHz ~ 0kHz ~ +20kHz (factory default: +5 kHz).

4. When you have completed all adjustments, press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. If you only press the MNU key momentarily to exit, any changes you performed will not be stored.

MNU key

Main Tuning Dial

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Page 83FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 86

CW MODE OPERATION

The powerful CW operating capabilities of the FT DX 9000Contest include operation using both an electronic keyer paddle and a “straight key” or emulation thereof, as is provided by a computer-based keying device.

SETUP FOR STRAIGHT KEY

(

AND STRAIGHT KEY EMULATION

)

OPERATION

Before starting, connect your key line to the front and/or rear panel KEY jack, and be sure the KEYER switch on the left side of the front panel is turned off for now.

1. Press the CW mode switch (# ) to engage CW operation.

 The operating mode is selected us-

ing the MODE switches to the left

of the Main Tuning Dial knob

(# ), and the VFO (A or B) to

which the selection is applied is se-

lected by pressing the A or B

switch above the Mode keys. Please

be sure you are engaging CW on the

right VFO.

 The LED associated with your VFO

and (CW) Mode selection will light up.

 If you press the CW key once more, after initially selecting

CW, you will engage the “CW Reverse” mode (see page 88),

whereby the “opposite” sideband injection is used, compared

to the “normal” sideband. The CW LED will blink for three

seconds if you select CW Reverse.

MODE switch

Main Tuning DialBK-IN switch

2. Rotate the MAIN Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select the desired operating frequency.

3. Press the BK-IN/SPOT key (# ) momentarily to engage automatic activation of the transmitter when you close the CW key. The LED imbedded in the BKIN/SPOT switch will light up.

 When you close your CW key, the transmitter will automati-

cally be activated, and the CW carrier will be transmitted.

When you release the key, transmission will cease after a brief

delay; the delay time is user-programmable, per the discus-

sion on page 89.

 As shipped from the factory, the FT DX 9000 Contest TX/RX

system for CW is configured for “Semi-break-in” operation.

However, using Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN,”

you may change this setup for full break-in (QSK) operation,

whereby the switching is quick enough to hear incoming sig-

nals in the spaces between the dots and dashes of your trans-

mission. This may prove very useful during contest and traf-

fic-handling operations.

4. Operation using your CW key may now proceed.

Advice

 You can monitor your sending by pressing the

MONI key (# ), and adjust the MONI control (# ) for a comfortable listening level on the CW sidetone.

 If you set the BK-IN/SPOT switch to Off, you may

practice your sending without having the signal go out over the air (sidetone only).

Terminology

 Semi-break-in

This is a pseudo- “VOX” mode used on CW, whereby the closure of the CW key will engage the transmitter, and release of the key will allow the receiver to receive after a short delay. No signals will be heard between the spaces between dots and dashes (unless the sending speed is extremely slow).

 Full break-in

Full break-in (Also known as “Full QSK”) involves very fast switching between transmit and receive, such that incoming signals may be heard between the dots and dashes as you send them. This allows you to hear a station that suddenly starts transmitting on your frequency, while you are in the midst of a transmission.

Page 84 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 87

CW MODE OPERATION

USING THE BUILT-IN ELECTRONIC KEYER

Connect the cable from your keyer paddle to the front or rear panel KEY jack.

1. Press the CW mode switch (# ) to engage CW operation.

 If you press the CW key once

more, after initially selecting CW,

you will engage the “CW Reverse”

mode (see page 88), whereby the

“opposite” sideband injection is

used, compared to the “normal” side-

band. The CW LED will blink for

three seconds if you select CW Re-

verse.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select the desired operating frequency.

3. Press the KEYER switch (# ). The LED imbedded in the switch will light up, confirming that the built-in Electronic Keyer is now active.

4. Rotate the SPEED control (# ) to set the desired sending speed. Clockwise rotation of the SPEED control will increase the keying speed.

 When you press either the “Dot” or “Dash” side of your paddle,

the transmitter will automatically be

activated.

5. If you press the BK-IN/SPOT key (# ) momentarily, “semibreak-in” operation (discussed previously) will be engaged.

6. CW operation utilizing your paddle may now commence.

 When you utilize your keyer paddle, the transmitter will auto-

matically be activated, and the CW characters (or a strong of

dots and dashes) will be transmitted. When you release the

keyer paddle contacts, transmission will cease after a brief

delay; the delay time is user-programmable, per the discus-

sion on page 89.

Advice

If you reduce power using the RF PWR control (# ), the ALC meter reading will increase; this is normal and does not indicate any problem whatsoever (because increased ALC voltage is being used to lower the power).

SPEED knob MODE key

BK-IN/SPOT swich

KEYER swich

Main Tuning Dial

Full Break-in (QSK) Operation

As shipped from the factory, the FT DX 9000 Contest TX/RX system for CW is configured for “Semibreak-in” operation. However, using Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN,” you may change this setup for full break-in (QSK) operation, whereby the switching is quick enough to hear incoming signals in the spaces between the dots and dashes of your transmission.

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to open the Menu.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select

Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN.”

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set this Menu item to “FULL.”

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit.

A number of interesting and useful features are available during Electronic Keyer operation.

Page 85FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 88

CW MODE OPERATION

USING THE BUILT-IN ELECTRONIC KEYER

Setting the Keyer Weight (Dot/Space:Dash ) Ratio

The Menu may be used to adjust the Weight for the built-in Electronic Keyer. The default weighting is 3:1 (a dash is three times longer than a dot or space).

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the

lect Menu item “MODE-CW 049 CW WEIGHT.”

3. Rotate the weight to the desired value. The available adjustment range is for a Dot/Space:Dash ratio of 2.5 ~

4.5 (default value: 3.0).

4. When you are finished, press and hold in the

MNU key for two seconds to save the new set-

ting and exit to normal operation.

Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to se-

CLAR/VFO-B key (# ) to set the

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Selecting the Keyer Operating Mode

MNU keyMain Tuning Dial

The configuration of the Electronic Keyer may be customized independently for the front and rear KEY jacks of the FT DX 9000 Contest. This permits utilization of Automatic Character Spacing (ACS), if desired, as well as the use of the electronic keyer via the front jack and a straight key or computer-driven keying line via the rear panel.

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select Menu item “MODE-CW 041 F-KEYER TYPE” (for the front KEY jack) or “MODE-CW 043 R-KEYER TYPE” (for the rear-panel’s KEY jack).

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set the keyer to the desired mode. The available selections are: OFF: The built-in Electronic Keyer is turned

off (“straight key” mode.)

BUG: Dots will be generated automatically by

the keyer, but dashes must be sent manually.

ELEKEY: Both dots and dashes will be generated

automatically when you use your paddle.

ACS: Same as “ELEKEY” except that the

spacing between characters is precisely set by the keyer to be the same length as a dash (three dots in length.)

4. When you are finished, press and hold in the

MNU key for two seconds to save the new set-

ting and exit to normal operation.

ACS OFF

ACS ON

Morse "E" & "T"

Space

Morse "E" & "T"

MNU keyMain Tuning Dial

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Page 86 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 89

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CW SPOTTING (ZERO-BEATING

“Spotting” (zeroing in on another CW station) is a handy technique for ensuring that you and the other station are precisely on the same frequency.

For everyday operation, the (CW) PITCH control (# ) allows you to set the center of the receiver passband, as well as the offset pitch of your CW carrier signal, to the tone pitch you prefer to listen to.

The front panel’s Tuning Meter may also be moved so you can adjust your receiver frequency to center the incoming station on the pitch corresponding to that of your transmitted signal.

Using the SPOT System

If you press and hold in the front panel’s BK-IN/SPOT key (# ), the Spot tone will be heard. This tone corresponds to the pitch of your transmitted signal, and if you adjust the receiver frequency to match the pitch of the received CW signal to that of the Spot tone, your transmitted signal will be precisely matched to that of the other station.

Advice

 In a tough DX pile-up, you may actually want to use

the SPOT system to find a “gap” in the spread of calling stations, instead of zeroing in precisely on the last station being worked by the DX station. From the DX side, if a dozen or more operators (also using Yaesu's SPOT system) all call precisely on the same frequency, their dots and dashes merge into a single, long tone that the DX station cannot decipher. In such situations, calling slightly higher or lower may get your call through.

 The bar indicator on the front panel may be utilized

for CW frequency adjustment, as well. Its configuration is set via Menu item “DISPLAY 016 BAR DIS- PLAY SELECT;” at the factory, the bar indicator is already set up for the “CW TUNE” selection.

Retune

(Shift to Frequency)Lower

Zero-In

)

PITCH knob

MONI switch

PITCH knob

Quick Point

 The CW Spotting process utilizes the Spot tone or the

bar indicator, with the actual offset pitch being set by the (CW) PITCH control on the front panel. The offset pitch may be set to any frequency between 300 Hz and 1050 Hz, in 50 Hz steps, and you can either match tones audibly (using the BK-IN/SPOT key) or align the receiver frequency so that the central LED on the bar indicator lights up. Note that there are 51 “dots” on the bar indicator, and depending on the resolution selected, the incoming CW signal may fall outside the visible range of the bar indicator, if you are not reasonably close to the proper alignment of tones.

 The displayed frequency, on CW, normally reflects

the “zero beat” frequency of your offset carrier. That is, if you were to listen on USB on 14.100.00 MHz to a signal with a 700 Hz offset, the “zero beat” frequency of that CW carrier would be 14.000.70 MHz; the latter frequency is what the FT DX 9000 Contest displays, by default. However, you can change the display to be identical to that of what you would see on SSB by using Menu item “MODE-CW 050 CW-FREQ DIS- PLAY” and setting it to “FREQ” instead of its default “PITCH” setting.

Main Tuning DialBK-IN/SPOT switch

BK-IN/SPOT switch

Retune

(Shift to FrequencyHigher )

Ú:When the CW reverse feature is activated, the indication of the Tuning

Offset Indicator will also be reversed.

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Page 90

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

USING CW REVERSE

If you experience a difficult interference situation, where an interfering station cannot readily be eliminated, you may wish to try receiving using the opposite sideband. This may throw the interfering station’s frequency in a direction that may lend itself more readily to rejection.

To start, let's use a typical example where you have set the CW mode (using the default “USB” injection) onto the VFO-A.  Now be sure your mode selection is still set for the

VFO-A register, and press the CW mode key (# ) once more. The “LSB” LED will blink for three seconds, indicating that the “LSB” injection side has now been selected.

 When using Dual Receive, just press the B Mode

key (# ), then press the CW key to engage CW Reverse on the VFO-B, in exactly the same was as for the VFO-A.

Press the CW mode key (# ) once more to return to the normal (USB) injection side and cancel CW Reverse operation.

In the illustration, Figure A demonstrates the normal CW injection setup, using the USB side. In Figure B, CW Reverse has been engaged, so as to receive using LSB-side injection to eliminate interference.

The beneficial effect of switching sidebands can clearly be seen in this example.

Normal CW ( )

USB

CW Reverse ( )

LSB

MODE switch

Carrier

RX Passband

QRM

Signal

Carrier

Signal

RX Passband

Note

Retune

When CW Reverse is engaged, the Tuning Meter action

(Shift to Frequency)Lower

will concurrently be reversed as to its indication.

When the incoming signal pitch tone is properly aligned,

Zero-In

the central LED lights up whether or not CW Reverse is engaged.

Retune

(Shift to Frequency)Higher

Page 88 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 91

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CW DELAY TIME SETTING

During semi-break-in (not QSK) operation, the hang time of the transmitter, after you have finished sending, may be adjusted to a comfortable value consistent with your sending speed. This is the functional equivalent to the “VOX Delay” adjustment used on voice modes; however, this is an independent adjustment used on CW, so you don’t have to change the delay when changing from Voice to CW.

CW DELAY knob

The delay may be varied anywhere between 0 seconds (

CW DELAY (# ) set fully counter-clockwise) to 5

seconds (fully clockwise).

1. Press the BK-IN/SPOT key (# ) momentarily to enable CW transmission (Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN” must be set to “SEMI”).

2. Start sending, and adjust the CW DELAY knob (# ) so that the hang time is as you prefer for comfortable operation.

Quick Point

The CW Delay feature is the functional equivalent to the “VOX Delay” adjustment used on voice modes; however, this is an independent adjustment used on CW, so you don’t have to change the delay when changing from Voice to CW.

CW PITCH ADJUSTMENT

Rotation of the front panel’s CW PITCH control (# ) will allow adjustment of the center frequency of the receiver passband, as well as the pitch of your offset CW carrier, to the tone you prefer. The tone may be varied between 300 Hz and 1050 Hz, in 50 Hz steps.

KEYER Switch

PITCH knob

Terminology

CW Pitch

If you tuned to an exact “zero beat” on an incoming CW signal, you could not copy it (“Zero beat” implies a 0 Hz tone). Therefore, the receiver is offset several hundreds of Hz (typically), so as to allow your ear to detect the tone. The BFO offset associated with this tuning (that produces the comfortable audio tone) is called the CW Pitch.

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Page 92

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CONTEST MEMORY KEYER

The rise and fall times of the CW envelope may be adjusted using the Menu. The default setting of 4 ms. is ideal for most operation, as it produces a nicely “rounded” shape to the CW character. However, the rise and fall times may be adjusted to 1/2/4/6 ms, as desired, using Menu item “MODE-CW 048 CW WAVE SHAPE.” We generally do not recommend adjust- ment of this parameter, but if you are using a linear amplifier that is causing some sharpens of the CW character, you may wish to try the 6 ms setting. Too fast a rise/fall time can produce “hard” keying that borders on the creation of key clicks.

Contest Memory Keyer

The supplied FH-2 Remote Control Keypad may be used as a control keypad for the automatic sending of CW messages (as you might do in a contest).

Two techniques for message storage are available: you may either send the desired message contents using your keyer paddle (“Message Memory”), or you may input the text characters (“Text Memory”).

See page 15 for details regarding interconnection of the FH-2.

Message Memory

Five memory channels capable of retaining 50 characters total are provided (using the PARIS standard for characters and word length).

Example : CQ CQ CQ DE W6DXC K (14 characters)

−•−

• −−•− −•−• −−•− −•−• −−•− −•• • •−− −•••• −•• −••− −•−• −•

Storing a Message into Memory

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select the CW Memory Register into which you wish to store the message; for now, we are just selecting the message entry technique (Keyer entry or Text entry).

FH-2SET 023 CW MEMORY 1 FH-2SET 024 CW MEMORY 2 FH-2SET 025 CW MEMORY 3 FH-2SET 026 CW MEMORY 4 FH-2SET 027 CW MEMORY 5

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set the selected Memory Register to “MESSAGE.” If you want to use your keyer paddle for message entry on all memories, set all five Menu items (#023 ~ 027) to “MESSAGE.”

4. Press and hold in the MNU key to save the new settings and exit.

MNU keyMain Tuning Dial

CLAR/VFO-B knob

−

Terminology

PARIS Word Length

By convention in the Amateur industry (utilized by ARRL and others), the length of one “word” of CW is defined as the length of the Morse Code characters spelling the word “PARIS.” This character (dot/dash/space) length is used for the rigorous definition of code speed in “words per minute.”

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Page 93

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CONTEST MEMORY KEYER

Message Memory Programming (Using Your Paddle)

1. Set the operating mode to CW.

2. Set the BK-IN/SPOT switch (# ) to Off.

3. Turn the internal Electronic Keyer On by pressing the KEYER switch (# ), if necessary.

4. Press the FH-2’s MEM key.

LOCK

OFFON

5. Press the 1 ~ 5 key on the FH-2 to begin the

memory storage process.

LOCK

OFFON

Checking the CW Memory Contents

1. Be sure that Break-in is still turned Off.

2. Press the FH-2’s

1 ~ 5 key to check your work. You will hear the results in the sidetone, but no RF energy will be transmitted.

LOCK

OFFON

On-The-Air CW Message Playback

1. Press the BK-IN/SPOT key to enable transmission. Either Full- or Semi-break-in will be engaged, depending on the setting of Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN.”

2. Press the FH-2’s 1 ~ 5 key to transmit the programmed message.

Note

If you subsequently decide to use the “Text” technique for memory

storage, please note that the contents of a message stored using

keyer paddle input will not be transferred over when you select

“TEXT” on a particular memory register.

6. Send the desired message using your keyer paddle.

7. Press the MEM key on the FH-2 once more at the end of your message. Up to 50 characters may be stored among the five memories.

Note

You must exercise care in sending to ensure that the spaces be-

tween letters and words are accurately done; if your timing is off,

the spacing may not come out right in the stored message.

For ease in setting up the keyer memories, we recommend you set

Menu item “MODE-CW 041 F-KEYER TYPE” and/or “MODE-

CW 043 R-KEYER TYPE” to “ACS” (Automatic Character Spac-

ing) while you are programming the keyer memories.

LOCK

OFFON

Transmitting in the Beacon Mode

It is possible to transmit, repetitively in a “Beacon” mode, any

message programmed either via paddle input or via the “Text”

input method. The time delay between message repeats may be

set anywhere between 0 and 255 seconds via Menu item “FH-2

SET 021 BEACON TIME.” If you do not wish the message to

repeat in a “Beacon” mode, please set this Menu item to “Off.”

Press the 1 ~ 5 key, depending on the register into which

the Beacon message is stored. Repetitive transmission of the Bea-

con message will begin. Press one of these keys once more to

halt the Beacon transmissions.

Page 91FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 94

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CONTEST MEMORY KEYER

TEXT Memory

The five channels of CW message memory (up to 50 characters total) may also be programmed using a text-entry technique. This technique is somewhat slower than when you send the message directly from your keyer paddle, but accuracy of character spacing is ensured.

Example 1 : CQ CQ CQ DE W6DXC K} (20 characters)

Now we will utilize another powerful feature of the CW Memory Keyer, the sequential contest number (“Countup”) feature.

Example 2 : 599 10 200 # K} (15 characters)

Text Memory Storage

1 Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select the CW Memory Register into which you wish to store the message; we are now selecting the message entry technique (Text entry).

FH-2SET 023 CW MEMORY 1 FH-2SET 024 CW MEMORY 2 FH-2SET 025 CW MEMORY 3 FH-2SET 026 CW MEMORY 4 FH-2SET 027 CW MEMORY 5

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set the selected Memory Register to “TEXT.”

4. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new settings and exit.

Advice

By referring to the chart, you may view the characters available for message entry (both capital and small letters, plus numbers and a few punctuation marks, are available).

CLAR/VFO-B knob

TEXT

! ” $ % & ’ ( ) + ,

Note that some punctuation and other marks ( listed, but they are displayed only and cannot be transmitted.

MIM

TEXT

. / : ; = | ?

MNU keyMain Tuning Dial

AAA

IMI

) are

Contest Number Programming

Use this process if you are starting a contest, or of you somehow get out of sync with the proper number in the middle of a contest.

1. Press the FH-2’s DEC key for two seconds. The current Contest Number will be displayed.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial to set the Contest Number to the desired value.

LOCK

OFFON

3. Press the DEC key for two seconds to store the new number.

Decrementing the Contest Number

Use this process if the current contest number gets slightly ahead of the actual number you want to send (in case of a duplicate QSO, for example).

Press the FH-2’s DEC key momentarily. The current Contest Number will be reduced by one. Press the

DEC key as many times as necessary to reach the desired number. If you go too far, use the “Contest Number Programming” technique described above.

Page 92 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 95

CW CONVENIENCE FEATURES

CONTEST MEMORY KEYER

Text Message Programming

1. Press the

CW Mode key (# ) to set the operating

mode to CW.

2. Be sure that Break-in is Off by pressing the key (# ), if necessary.

SPOT

3. Press the FH-2’s

MEM key.

LOCK

OFFON

BK-IN/

4. Press the FH-2’s 1 ~ 5 key to select the desired

Message Memory Register into which you wish to program the text.

LOCK

OFFON

Checking the CW Memory Contents

1. Be sure that Break-in is still turned Off.

2. Press the FH-2’s 1 ~ 5 key to check your work. You will hear the results in the sidetone, but no RF energy will be transmitted.

LOCK

OFFON

On-The-Air CW Message Playback

1. Press the BK-IN/SPOT key to enable transmission. Either Full- or Semi-break-in will be engaged, depending on the setting of Menu item “MODE-CW 047 CW BK-IN.”

2. Press the FH-2’s 1 ~ 5 key to transmit the programmed message.

Note

If you subsequently decide to use the “MESSAGE” technique for

memory storage, please note that the contents of a message stored

using text input will not be transferred over when you select “MES-

SAGE” on a particular memory register.

5. Use the FH-2’s and keys to set the cursor position and use the and keys to choose the letter/number to be programmed in each slot of the memory. In the case of the second example above, the “}” character designates the slot where the Contest Number will appear.

Advice

You may also use the Main Tuning Dial (# ) and the CLAR/

VFO-B knobs (# ) to program the message characters.

LOCK

OFFON

6. Press the FH-2’s MEM key again once all characters have been programmed.

LOCK

OFFON

Correcting/Editing Previously-Stored Characters

Use the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select the letter/num-

ber to be corrected, then rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# )

to choose the revised letter/number top be utilized in this slot.

Deleting Previously-stored Characters

Use the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select the last cor-

rect letter in the message. Now rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob

(# ) to select the “ } ” character; everything after the “ } ”

character will be deleted.

Page 93FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 96

FM MODE OPERATION

1. Press the FM mode key (# ) to select the FM operating mode.

 Be sure that the FM mode is being selected on the proper

VFO; check the status of the A and B switches above the

mode selection keys before making your mode selection.

 The LED (Red or Orange) corresponding to the VFO on which

you selected FM (VFO-A or VFO-B, respectively), will light

up.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) (in the case of VFO-A operation) to select the desired operating frequency. If using the optional MD-200

A8X

Desk Microphone, pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] button will cause frequency change in 5 kHz steps.

3. Press the microphone’s PTT switch (or press the front panel MOX switch (# )) to transmit. Speak into the microphone in a normal voice level. Release the PTT or MOX switch to return to receive.

4. Adjustment of the microphone gain may be accomplished in two ways. At the factory, a default level has been programmed that should be satisfactory for most situations. However, using Menu item “MODE-FM 058 FM MIC GAIN,” you may set a different fixed value, or choose the “MCVR” option, which then lets you use the front panel MIC control (# ) to set the microphone gain in the FM mode. The microphone gain should be set such that deflection of the ALC meter goes all the way to the right side of the ALC meter scale.

MOX switch

MONI switch

MONI knob

MODE switch

MAIN Tuning Dial

Advice

 The FH-2 may be used, in the FM mode, for storage

of voice memory messages. See page 92.

 FM is only used in the 28 MHz and 50 MHz Amateur

bands covered in the FT DX 9000 Contest. Please do not use FM on any other bands.

 Reduction of the setting of the RF PWR knob (# )

will cause the deflection of the ALC meter to increase; this is normal.

Page 94 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 97

FM MODE OPERATION

REPEATER OPERATION

The FT DX 9000 Contest may be utilized on 29 MHz and 50 MHz repeaters.

1. Rotate the Main tuning Dial to the output frequency (downlink) from the repeater.

2. If CTCSS Tone operation is desired/needed, press and hold in the FM Mode key (# ) for two seconds to engage the CTCSS mode.

3. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to select the desired CTCSS mode. If you just need to send the uplink encoding tone, select “tn.” For encode/decode operation, choose “ts” instead. The available choices are

“OFF”  “tn”  “ts”  “OFF.”

4. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to select the desired CTCSS Tone to be used. A total of 50 standard CTCSS tones are provided (see the CTCSS Tone Chart).

5. Press the FM Mode key to select the desired repeater shift direction. The selections are

“S”  “+”  “−”  “S”

where “S” represents “Simplex” operation (not used

CTCSS Tone Frequency

on a repeater).

6. Press and hold in the FM Mode key for two seconds to exit from the repeater setup mode.

7. Close the microphone’s PTT switch (or press the

MOX switch (# )) to begin transmission. You will observe that the frequency has shifted to correspond to the programming you set up in the previous steps. Speak into the microphone in a normal voice level, and release the PTT or MOX switch to return to the receive mode.

Advice

67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 82.5 85.4

88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9

114.8 118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2

151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9 171.3 173.8

177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2 189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5

203.5 206.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8

250.3 254.1

The conventional repeater shift used on 29 MHz is 100 kHz, while on the 50 MHz band the shift may vary between 500 kHz and 1.7 kHz (or more). To program the proper repeater shift, use Menu items “MODE-FM 060

RPT SHIFT(28 MHz)” and “MODE-FM 061 RPT SHIFT(50 MHz),” as appropriate.

MODE Switch

MAIN Tuning Dial

CTCSS Operation

tn: Tone Encoder tS: Tone Squelch oFF: OFF

Repeater Shift Direction

S: Simplex

--: Minus Shift +: Plus Shift

CTCSS Tone Frequency (Hz)

CLAR/VFO-B knob

You may also use “Tone Squelch” whereby your receiver will be kept silent until an incoming signal bearing a matching CTCSS tone is receiver. Your receiver's squelch will then open in response to the reception of the required tone.

1. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob (# ) to the output frequency (downlink) from the repeater.

2. Press and hold in the FM Mode key (# ) for two seconds to engage the CTCSS mode.

3. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob to choose “ts.” The available choices are

“OFF”  “tn”  “ts”  “OFF.”

4. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to select the desired CTCSS Tone to be used. A total of 50 standard CTCSS tones are provided (see the

Tone Squelch

MAIN Tuning Dial

MODE Switch

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Tone Decoder

CTCSS Tone Chart).

5. Press and hold in the FM Mode key for two seconds. On the display, just below the “1 Hz” fre-



quency digit, a small “d” will indicate that the Tone Decoder is engaged.

CTCSS Tone Frequency

Page 95FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 98

CONVENIENT MEMORY FUNCTIONS

The FT DX 9000 Contest contains ninety-nine regular memories, labeled 01 through 99, nine special programmed limit memory pairs, labeled P-1L/1U through P-9L/9U, and five QMB (Quick Memory Bank) memories, labeled C1 ~ C5. Each stores various settings, not only the VFO-A frequency and mode (See below). By default, the 99 regular memories are contained in one group; however, they can be arranged in up to six separate groups, if desired.

Quick Point

The FT DX 9000 Contest’s memory channels store the following data (not just the operating frequency):

 Frequency  Mode  Clarifier status and its Offset Frequency  ANT status  IPO status  Roofing filter status and its Bandwidth  Noise Blanker status  CONTOUR status and its Peak Frequency  DSP Noise Reduction (DNR) status and its Reduction algorithm selection.  DSP Notch filter (NTCH) status  NAR bandwidth status  DSP Auto Notch filter (DNF) status  Repeater Shift Direction and Shift Frequency  CTCSS status and Tone Frequency

Memory channels may be grouped into as many as six convenient batches, for easy identification and selection. For example, you might want to set aside memory groups for AM BC stations, shortwave broadcast stations, contest frequencies, repeater frequencies, and PMS limits, or any other groupings you like.

Each memory group is capable of holding up to 22 memory channels (the Group size is fixed). When a memory channel is grouped, the channel numbers change to correspond to the chart below:

General Purpose Memories

P-9L/9U

P-8L/8U

P-3L/3U

P-2L/2U

P-1L/1U

PMS

Memories

C-1

QMB

Memories

C-2

QMB

Memories

C-3

QMB

Memories

C-4

QMB

Memories

C-5

QMB

Page 96 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 99

QMB (QUICK MEMORY BANK)

The Quick Memory Bank is comprised of five memories (labeled C1 ~ C5) independent from the regular and PMS memories. These can quickly store operating parameters for later recall.

QMB CHANNEL STORAGE

1. Tune to the desired frequency on the VFO-A.

2. Press the blue (QMB) STO key (# ). The “beep” will confirm that the contents of the VFO-A have been written to the currently-available QMB memory.

If you repeatedly press the (QMB) STO key, the QMB memories will be written in the following order:

C-2  C-3  C-4  C-5  C-1

Once all five QMB memories have data on them, previous data (starting with channel C1) will be over-written on a first-in, first-out basis.

QMB CHANNEL RECALL

QMB STO key

1. Press the (QMB) RCL key (# ). The display will indicate “QMB” and the current QMB channel’s data will be shown on the main frequency display field.

2. Repeatedly pressing the (QMB) RCL key will toggle you through the QMB channels:

C-2  C-3  C-4  C-5  C-1

Advice

You may change the QMB channel’s frequency by rotating the Main Tuning Dial (# ) (Memory Tune Operation, described details on page 101).

 “ ” will replace “ ” in the multi-panel window, indicat-

ing you are in the “Memory Tune” mode.

 During Memory Tune operation, you may change operating modes,

and engage and offset the Clarifier, if desired.

Press the V/M switch momentarily to return to the originally-

memorized frequency of the current memory channel. One more

press of the V/M key will return you to VFO operation.

QMB is a very convenient means of storing and recalling memories, if you only have recourse to a few. With one tough of the (QMB) RCL key, the frequency data will appear instantly as though you were operating on the VFOA.

QMB RCL key

Page 97FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Page 100

MEMORY GROUPS

MEMORY GROUP ASSIGNMENT

1. Press the MNU key (# ) to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial (# ) to select Menu

item “GENERAL 031 MEM GROUP.” Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# ) to set this Menu item to “ENABLE” (the default setting is “DISABLE”).

3. Press and hold in the MNU key for two seconds to save the new setting and exit. Operation will now be restricted to the six Memory Groups. To cancel Memory Group operation, repeat steps (1) through (3) above, choosing “DISABLE” in step (2).

Advice

Note that for the PMS memory group, the PMS memories “P1L” through “P9U” will be so designated, so as to avoid confusion.

MNU key

MAIN Tuning Dial

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Memory Channel Number

Groups Memory “OFF” Groups Memory “ON”

01 ~ 19 1-01 ~ 1-19 20 ~ 39 2-01 ~ 2-20 40 ~ 59 3-01 ~ 3-20 60 ~ 79 4-01 ~ 4-20 80 ~ 99 5-01 ~ 5-20

P-1L/1U ~ P-9L/9U P-1L/1U ~ P-9L/9U

CHOOSING THE DESIRED MEMORY GROUP

You may recall memories just within a particular Memory Group, if desired.

1. Press the V/M key (# ), if necessary, to enter the Memory mode.

2. Press and hold in the MCH/GRP key (# ) (below and to the left of the CLAR/VFO-B knob (# )) for two seconds. The imbedded LED inside the switch will light up.

3. Rotate the CLAR/VFO-B knob to select the desired Memory Group.

To exit from Memory Group operation, press and hold in the MCH/GRP key for two seconds once more.

Advice

 You will now be operating using memories only within

the selected Memory Group.

 If no channels have been assigned to a particular

Memory Group, you will not have access to that Group.

V/M key

MCH/GRP switch

CLAR/VFO-B knob

Page 98 FT DX 9000 CONTEST OPERATION MANUAL

Yaesu FT DX 9000 CONTEST Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual